In a client with left-sided heart failure, which of the following findings is a significant indicator that should alert the nurse?

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In a client with left-sided heart failure, the presence of frothy sputum is a significant indicator that warrants attention from the nurse. This finding suggests pulmonary congestion resulting from the left ventricle's inability to effectively pump blood, leading to increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation. As a consequence, fluid seeps into the alveoli, mixing with air and producing the characteristic frothy sputum that is often pink in color due to the presence of blood.

This symptom is a clear sign of worsening heart failure and potential pulmonary edema, both of which require immediate medical intervention to prevent further respiratory distress and to manage fluid overload. Monitoring for this specific symptom is crucial because it helps assess the severity of heart failure and the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

In contrast, while decreased urine output, jaundice, and peripheral edema may also be relevant findings in the context of heart failure, they do not indicate the acute respiratory compromise associated with frothy sputum. Decreased urine output often reflects the body's compensatory mechanisms in response to decreased cardiac output. Jaundice can point to liver dysfunction, which is not directly indicative of left-sided heart failure. Peripheral edema typically arises from right-sided heart failure or fluid overload but is not as immediate a concern as frothy sput

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