A client is returning from the operating room after inguinal hernia repair. the nurse notes that he has fluid volume excess from the operation and is at risk for left-sided heart failure. which sign or symptom indicates left-sided heart failure?

Left-sided heart failure is when the left side of the heart cannot properly do its function of pumping blood. The left side of the heart receives the oxygen-rich blood from the lungs, and pumps it to be distributed by the arteries to the different parts of the body. When it does not work properly, pressure in the veins in the lungs will accumulate resulting to shortness of breath.

Symptoms of left-sided heart failure are coughing, fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, irregular pulses and difficulty in lying down.