American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

Which stage of heart failure describes patients with structural heart disease but no symptoms?

1. Stage A

2. Stage B

3. Stage C

4. Stage D

The correct answer is: Stage B

Stage B heart failure is characterized by the presence of structural heart disease in patients who have not yet manifested any symptoms of heart failure. This stage is significant because it represents a high-risk population; although these patients may feel well and experience no symptoms, they have underlying heart conditions that could lead to more severe stages of heart failure if not monitored and managed appropriately. In Stage B, patients may have experienced conditions such as prior myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy, or valve disease, but they do not yet exhibit signs of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or edema. This distinction is critical in clinical practice, as early identification and treatment of structural heart disease at this stage can potentially delay the progression to symptomatic heart failure and improve long-term outcomes. Overall, understanding the stages of heart failure, particularly Stage B, is important for clinicians as it highlights the importance of proactive management and the need for regular follow-up with patients who have structural heart issues, even when they appear asymptomatic.