Which of the following clinical indicators will the nurse likely observe in a client with right ventricular failure?

In the context of right ventricular failure, edema is a primary clinical indicator that nurses will likely observe. Right ventricular failure leads to an inability of the heart to effectively pump blood to the lungs, which consequently causes blood to back up in the systemic circulation. This congestion results in fluid retention in the body's tissues, often manifesting as peripheral edema, which is swelling in the lower extremities or abdomen.

This condition is due to increased venous pressure, which forces fluid out of the blood vessels and into the interstitial spaces. Thus, when assessing a patient for signs of right ventricular failure, the presence of edema serves as a significant and recognizable symptom linked to fluid overload and poor circulation.

In contrast, the other options do not align with typical signs of right ventricular failure. An increased appetite is generally not associated with this condition; instead, patients may experience a decreased appetite due to discomfort or gastrointestinal symptoms. Hypertension is more commonly related to left ventricular failure or other cardiovascular issues, while bradycardia (a slower heart rate) is not a typical finding in right ventricular failure, which often presents with tachycardia (a faster heart rate) as the heart attempts to compensate for its impaired function.