Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The signs indicated in the question—jugular venous distention (JVD), dependent edema, hepatomegaly, and abdominal distention—are characteristic of right ventricular heart failure. Right ventricular heart failure often leads to a backup of blood into the venous system due to the inability of the right ventricle to effectively pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation.

As blood volume increases in the systemic circulation, it can cause various manifestations. JVD occurs due to increased pressure in the right atrium, which causes distension of the jugular veins. Dependent edema results from fluid accumulation in the lower extremities and can be exacerbated by prolonged sitting or standing. Hepatomegaly, or liver enlargement, occurs as blood backs up into the liver, potentially causing congestion and dysfunction. Abdominal distention can arise from fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, known as ascites, which is often associated with hepatic congestion and venous pressure.

The other options do not align with the specific signs and symptoms outlined in the question. Left ventricular heart failure often features symptoms related to pulmonary congestion, such as shortness of breath and cough due to fluid backing up into the lungs. Systolic heart failure refers to the reduced ability of