When assessing a patient for signs of heart failure, which symptom should a nurse prioritize?

In assessing a patient for signs of heart failure, prioritizing shortness of breath and edema is essential due to their direct correlation with the condition's pathophysiology. Heart failure often leads to fluid overload, which can manifest as pulmonary congestion contributing to shortness of breath, and peripheral edema due to fluid retention in the tissues.

Shortness of breath is particularly critical because it indicates impaired gas exchange and reduced cardiac output, which can quickly escalate to respiratory distress. Edema not only aligns with heart failure symptoms but also provides insight into the severity of fluid retention, helping guide interventions.

Other symptoms such as increased appetite and normal urinary output do not raise immediate concerns related to heart failure. A skin rash and itching or frequent headaches and dizziness can suggest other conditions that are not primary indicators of heart failure. Therefore, shortness of breath and edema are the hallmark symptoms that warrant urgent attention when evaluating a patient for heart failure.