Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

Which symptom is commonly associated with left ventricular dysfunction?

1. Tachypnea

2. Cyanosis

3. Jaundice

4. Claudication

The correct answer is: Tachypnea

Left ventricular dysfunction often leads to congestive heart failure and is closely associated with pulmonary congestion due to inadequate pumping of blood. As the left ventricle fails to effectively move blood forward, pressure increases in the pulmonary circulation, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs. This condition frequently results in tachypnea, which is an increased respiratory rate as the body attempts to compensate for decreased oxygenation and to alleviate dyspnea. Patients may exhibit signs of respiratory distress, including rapid breathing as they try to improve oxygen exchange despite compromised cardiac output. The other symptoms listed, while they can indicate different medical conditions, are not typically linked to left ventricular dysfunction. Cyanosis, for instance, indicates poor oxygenation usually due to a right-to-left shunt or severe respiratory conditions. Jaundice reflects hepatic dysfunction or hemolysis, whereas claudication is associated with peripheral arterial disease, where blood flow to the limbs is insufficient. Therefore, while these symptoms can occur in various clinical contexts, tachypnea is distinctly aligned with the challenges encountered in left ventricular dysfunction.