What common complication occurs in clients with CHF?

In clients with congestive heart failure (CHF), pulmonary edema is a particularly common complication due to the underlying pathophysiology of the condition. CHF involves an impaired ability of the heart to pump effectively, which leads to inadequate circulation and increased pressures within the heart and pulmonary circulation. As a result, fluid can leak from the capillaries in the lungs, causing pulmonary edema, characterized by fluid accumulation in the air sacs.

This condition can manifest as shortness of breath, cough, and difficulty breathing, particularly when lying flat or during exertion. Immediate recognition and management are crucial in these cases to prevent further respiratory distress and complications. Understanding pulmonary edema in the context of CHF helps in monitoring patients and developing appropriate nursing interventions to manage symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

While acute kidney injury, pneumonia, and cardiac arrest can occur in patients with CHF, they are typically secondary complications related to the severity of heart failure or other underlying health issues, rather than being as directly associated with the pathophysiological processes of CHF itself as pulmonary edema is.