What physical sign is commonly associated with right ventricular heart failure?

Right ventricular heart failure often leads to a condition known as right-sided heart failure, which is characterized by the inability of the heart to effectively pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation. This form of heart failure can result in several physical signs and symptoms due to the backlog of blood returning to the heart.

Hepatomegaly is specifically associated with fluid retention that occurs when the right ventricle fails to pump effectively. As blood flow backs up into the systemic circulation, it can lead to congestion in the liver, causing it to enlarge. This enlargement can often be palpated during a physical examination.

The other choices, while they may also be observed in right ventricular failure, are typically more closely associated with generalized heart failure rather than being specific indicators. For example, jugular venous distension is indicative of increased pressure within the right atrium but does not directly point to liver involvement as hepatomegaly does. Similarly, peripheral edema and ascites can occur in both right and left heart failure conditions due to fluid overload, but hepatomegaly distinctly highlights the systemic impact of right ventricular dysfunction on the liver.