NGN Adult Health Case Study: Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

A free, unfolding Next Generation NCLEX adult health case study on acute decompensated heart failure. Work through all 6 NGN items — select the findings, drop-down cloze, drag-and-drop interventions, and a discharge-teaching matrix — then submit the test for partial-credit scoring and full rationales.

Free · No login required · 6 unfolding NGN items · Partial-credit scoring

Item 1 of 6

Question 1 of 6

Health History

A 72-year-old client arrives at the emergency department accompanied by his daughter. The client reports a 4-day history of worsening shortness of breath, especially when lying flat, and states he has been "sleeping in the recliner all week." He reports a 6-lb (2.7 kg) weight gain over the past 3 days and swelling in both legs. His daughter states he has been eating canned soup and frozen dinners because he lives alone and "doesn't cook much." The client has a history of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. He reports missing his last two doses of furosemide because he "ran out and forgot to refill it."

Assessment — 1000

SystemFindings
NeurologicAlert and oriented x3; slightly anxious, restless
HEENTJugular venous distension noted at 45-degree angle; no facial edema
RespiratoryBilateral crackles auscultated in lower lung fields; use of accessory muscles; unable to speak in full sentences
CardiovascularS3 heart sound auscultated; irregular rhythm; 3+ pitting edema bilateral lower extremities to mid-shin
GastrointestinalBowel sounds normoactive x4 quadrants; abdomen mildly distended
IntegumentarySkin cool and pale; diaphoresis noted; capillary refill 4 seconds
Extremities2+ pulses in upper extremities; 1+ pulses in lower extremities; bilateral lower extremity edema

Vital Signs — 1000

Vital SignValue
Temperature98.4°F (36.9°C)
Heart Rate118 bpm, irregular
Respiratory Rate28/min
Blood Pressure158/96 mmHg
Pulse Oximetry88% on room air
Weight214 lb (97.1 kg); baseline dry weight 208 lb (94.3 kg)

Select the top 4 findings that require immediate follow-up.

0 of 6 items answered. Answers and rationales are revealed only after you submit the test.

Looking for more? Browse all free NGN case studies with rationales.

More free NGN case studies with rationales

Keep practising for the NGN NCLEX