Which finding is consistent with left-sided cardiogenic shock?

Which finding is consistent with left-sided cardiogenic shock?

• A. Peripheral edema
• B. Abdominal distention
• C. Pulmonary edema
• D. Jaundice

Answer: (C)

Left-sided cardiogenic shock happens when the left ventricle can’t pump blood effectively, so blood backs up into the lungs. This raises pressure in the pulmonary veins and capillaries, causing fluid to leak into the alveolar spaces—pulmonary edema. The resulting dyspnea, crackles on auscultation, and hypoxia are classic signs of left-sided failure. Among the options, pulmonary edema best fits this scenario as the key manifestation of left-sided shock. Peripheral edema, abdominal distention, and jaundice are more indicative of right-sided heart failure or liver congestion, not the primary feature of left-sided shock.

Left-sided cardiogenic shock happens when the left ventricle can’t pump blood effectively, so blood backs up into the lungs. This raises pressure in the pulmonary veins and capillaries, causing fluid to leak into the alveolar spaces—pulmonary edema. The resulting dyspnea, crackles on auscultation, and hypoxia are classic signs of left-sided failure. Among the options, pulmonary edema best fits this scenario as the key manifestation of left-sided shock. Peripheral edema, abdominal distention, and jaundice are more indicative of right-sided heart failure or liver congestion, not the primary feature of left-sided shock.