Which finding is most typical of right-sided heart failure?

• A. Pulmonary edema
• B. Peripheral edema and hepatomegaly
• C. Ascites
• D. Jugular venous distension

Answer: (D)

Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up in the systemic venous circulation because the right ventricle can’t effectively move blood into the lungs. The result is increased central venous pressure that is most obviously seen as jugular venous distension. This sign reflects back pressure into the right atrium and the neck veins, making it a classic bedside clue for right-sided failure. Other findings like edema in the legs or abdomen, or liver enlargement, can occur but are less specific and can develop later as the condition progresses. Pulmonary edema, by contrast, is more characteristic of left-sided failure, where the pulmonary circulation fills with blood.