What observation should a nurse expect in a client with right-sided heart failure?

In a client with right-sided heart failure, one of the hallmark signs is elevated central venous pressure (CVP). This increase occurs because the right side of the heart is unable to effectively pump blood into the pulmonary circulation. As a result, blood starts to back up in the right atrium and the venous system, leading to increased pressure in the central veins. This can manifest as jugular venous distention and peripheral edema due to fluid retention, as the body's compensatory mechanisms respond to the decreased cardiac output.

Monitoring central venous pressure is critical because it provides valuable information about the volume status and right heart function of the patient. Elevated CVP indicates that the heart is struggling to manage the returning blood volume, which is characteristic of right-sided heart failure. Understanding this relationship helps in managing fluid status and assessing the effectiveness of treatment interventions.