Which finding is most consistent with right-sided heart failure?

• A. S3
• B. JVD
• C. Rales
• D. Edema

Answer: (B)

Right-sided heart failure causes backup of blood into the systemic venous circulation, leading to elevated central venous pressure. Jugular venous distention reflects this systemic venous congestion and is the most characteristic sign of right-sided failure. An S3 is an extra heart sound tied to volume overload of the ventricle, but it’s more commonly associated with left-sided systolic dysfunction and isn’t specific for right-sided failure. Rales indicate pulmonary edema from left-sided failure, not the right side. Edema can occur with right-sided failure but is non-specific and appears in many conditions. So, the finding that best matches right-sided heart failure is jugular venous distention.