Which of the following are signs of right-sided heart failure?

Right-sided heart failure primarily leads to a variety of symptoms and signs related to the body’s ability to manage venous return. Peripheral edema, which manifests as swelling in the extremities due to fluid accumulation, is a hallmark sign of this condition. Additionally, ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, occurs as a result of increased venous pressure from the failing right side of the heart. This combination of peripheral edema and ascites directly indicates that the right side of the heart is struggling with efficiently managing blood flow and fluid balance, making these signs characteristic of right-sided heart failure.

Other options reflect symptoms often seen in different contexts or other forms of heart failure. For instance, dyspnea and fatigue can occur in various types of heart failure, but they are not specific to right-sided heart failure. Cough and pulmonary edema are more associated with left-sided heart failure, while chest pain and palpitations can be linked to many cardiac conditions but are not definitive indicators of right-sided heart failure. This context highlights how the symptoms can vary based on the side of the heart affected and the underlying pathology.