Which of the following is a common sign of congestive heart failure?

• A. Peripheral edema
• B. Clubbing of fingers
• C. Jaundice
• D. Polyuria

Answer: (A)

In congestive heart failure, the heart isn’t able to pump effectively, so fluid backs up and the body retains sodium and water to compensate. This extra fluid often accumulates in the legs and feet when a person is upright, causing pitting peripheral edema. It’s a common sign because it reflects systemic venous congestion and volume overload that frequently accompany heart failure.

Clubbing of the fingers is typically seen with chronic lung conditions or certain systemic diseases, not with heart failure as a primary sign. Jaundice points to liver problems or biliary disease (and while advanced right-sided failure can involve the liver, jaundice itself isn’t a typical early sign of CHF). Polyuria isn’t a hallmark of heart failure; it’s more related to diabetes, diuretic use, or other conditions.