What is a manifestation of pulmonary congestion in a client with left-sided heart failure?

Frothy, pink sputum is a classic manifestation of pulmonary congestion in clients with left-sided heart failure. This symptom occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which can overwhelm the alveoli and result in the mixing of air and fluid. The presence of blood in the sputum may give it a pink color, indicating that fluid is not only pooling but also contains red blood cells. This symptom highlights the severity of pulmonary congestion, as it is often associated with acute heart failure or exacerbations of chronic heart failure.

In the context of left-sided heart failure, the left ventricle struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to increased pressures in the pulmonary circulation. This pressure forces fluid from the capillaries into the alveoli, causing pulmonary edema, which is characterized by the frothy, pink sputum. This finding is critical for nurses and healthcare providers to assess, as it can indicate the need for immediate medical intervention to manage heart failure symptoms and improve respiratory function.