Left heart failure would be manifested in which of the following values?

Get ready for the NBRC TMC Exam with multiple-choice questions, flashcards, and detailed explanations for each answer. Boost your confidence and knowledge for a successful exam day!

In cases of left heart failure, the heart's ability to effectively pump blood through the systemic circulation is compromised. This can lead to congestion in the pulmonary circulation and increased pressures in the left atrium and pulmonary capillaries. The measurement of cardiac output is crucial in this context, as a decrease reflects the heart's diminished ability to circulate blood.

Wedge pressure, specifically pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), is invaluable in assessing left heart function. It provides insight into left atrial pressure and the degree of pulmonary congestion or fluid status in the lungs. In left heart failure, one would typically expect elevated wedge pressure due to increased resistance in the pulmonary circulation.

Thus, measuring both cardiac output and wedge pressure effectively highlights the dysfunction associated with left heart failure. Low cardiac output indicates the heart's weakened pump function, while elevated wedge pressure reveals the resultant congestion and elevated pressures in the left side of the heart. These two parameters together provide a clear picture of the hemodynamic status in patients suffering from left heart failure.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy