What is a common outcome of right-sided heart failure as seen in emphysema patients?

In patients with emphysema, a common outcome of right-sided heart failure is fluid retention. This condition is often caused by the increased pressure in the right side of the heart, which can occur as the right ventricle struggles to pump blood due to the added strain from the lungs. When the heart cannot effectively pump blood, it can lead to congestion and an accumulation of fluid in various parts of the body, particularly in the legs, abdomen, and lungs—this is known as peripheral edema and can also lead to symptoms like jugular venous distention.

Fluid retention is particularly pronounced in cases of chronic lung diseases such as emphysema, where the combination of low oxygen levels, pulmonary hypertension, and the subsequent strain on the heart can exacerbate heart failure symptoms. Other choices, such as increased metabolism and excessive energy levels, do not align with the typical presentation of heart failure, as patients generally experience fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance. Similarly, decreased respiratory rate would not be associated with right-sided heart failure; rather, patients often present with increased respiratory effort or difficulty breathing as their condition progresses.