Which symptom is most likely to be observed in an 83-year-old client diagnosed with left-sided congestive heart failure?

In an elderly client diagnosed with left-sided congestive heart failure, dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a key symptom that is frequently observed. This occurs because the heart's left ventricle is impaired and cannot effectively pump blood to the rest of the body, leading to a backup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary congestion). As fluid accumulates, it can cause shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when lying flat, a condition known as orthopnea.

While fatigue can also be a symptom of heart failure due to decreased cardiac output and overall energy levels being affected, dyspnea is often more pronounced and directly related to the pulmonary congestion resulting from left-sided heart failure. Swelling in extremities is typically more associated with right-sided heart failure, and chest pain is not a primary symptom of heart failure but may be observed in other cardiovascular conditions.