Which condition commonly presents with abdominal distension, dependent edema, and increased breathing rate?

• A. CHF
• B. COPD
• C. Emphysema
• D. Chronic Bronchitis

Answer: (A)

Abdominal distension with dependent edema signals fluid overload and venous congestion. In congestive heart failure, increased venous pressure, often from right-sided or biventricular failure, drives fluid into the interstitial spaces and peritoneal cavity, causing ascites and swelling of the legs that is worse with gravity. The faster breathing rate comes from pulmonary congestion and reduced gas exchange as the left heart struggles, leading to dyspnea and tachypnea. The lung-disease options focus on airway obstruction or parenchymal damage and don’t typically produce ascites and edema, making congestive heart failure the best fit for this combination of signs.