Final answer:
A (a) tape measure should be brought along with a stethoscope to measure limb circumference and assess fluid retention in a patient with advanced right-sided heart failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student should bring a tape measure to assist in the assessment of a patient with advanced right-sided heart failure. In patients with heart failure, particularly right-sided heart failure, fluid retention can lead to peripheral edema.
Using a tape measure can help to document the extent of swelling by measuring the circumference of limbs and tracking changes over time. This measurement, when combined with other assessments like auscultation with a stethoscope and other vital signs, such as blood pressure monitoring, can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's cardiovascular status.