Which term is used for a condition in which the heart muscle is damaged and can no longer pump efficiently?

• A. Constrict
• B. Confused residents
• C. Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• D. COPD

Answer: (C)

Congestive heart failure means the heart muscle is damaged and can’t pump blood effectively. When the heart’s pumping action is reduced, fluid can back up in the lungs and in other parts of the body, leading to shortness of breath, tiredness, swelling (especially in the legs, ankles, or sacrum), and sometimes a persistent cough. As a CNA, your role includes watching for signs of fluid retention and breathing difficulty, recording daily weights, and reporting changes to the nurse promptly. Uprighting the patient’s head and keeping activity level comfortable can help with breathing, and a low-sodium diet may be part of the plan to reduce fluid buildup.

The other options don’t fit this description: one is not a medical term for a heart condition, another describes confusion, and COPD is a lung disease, not a heart muscle problem.