National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

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What is a common symptom of a patient exhibiting left-sided heart failure?

Palpitations
Orthopnea
Frequent urination at night
Dry cough

The correct answer is: Orthopnea

A common symptom of left-sided heart failure is orthopnea, which refers to dyspnea that occurs when a person is lying flat. This symptom develops due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary congestion) as a result of the left ventricle's inability to effectively pump blood out to the body. When a patient is in a supine position, gravity causes fluid to shift in the body, exacerbating pulmonary congestion and leading to difficulty breathing. The presence of orthopnea is significant in assessing the severity of heart failure. Patients may find relief by sitting up or using multiple pillows while sleeping to help alleviate their breathing difficulties. Recognizing orthopnea can aid healthcare providers in evaluating the progression of heart failure and adjusting treatment strategies accordingly. Other symptoms such as palpitations, frequent urination at night (nocturia), and a dry cough can occur in different contexts or conditions but are not as directly associated with left-sided heart failure as orthopnea.