What is a common assessment finding in an older adult client with left-sided heart failure?

In older adults experiencing left-sided heart failure, a notable assessment finding is the presence of frothy sputum. This occurs as a result of pulmonary congestion and edema, which are characteristic of left-sided heart failure. When the left ventricle fails to effectively pump blood, blood can back up into the pulmonary circulation, leading to increased pressure in the pulmonary capillaries. This increased pressure causes fluid to leak into the alveoli, and when the patient coughs, this fluid can mix with air, resulting in the characteristic frothy, pinkish sputum.

This symptom can be a sign of acute heart failure and reflects the severity of the pulmonary congestion that can occur in left-sided heart failure, making it a critical finding for assessment and management. Recognizing frothy sputum can help healthcare providers gauge the patient's current respiratory status and the effectiveness of recent interventions.