Question

A client with right heart failure asks what the right side of the heart does. The nurse's response is based on the fact that the right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood through the a. pulmonary veins to the aorta b. aorta to the left atrium c. pulmonary arteries to the left ventricle d. pulmonary arteries to the lungs

Short answer

The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Heart's Function

To determine the correct answer, first understand the function of the right side of the heart. The right side of the heart is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

Analyze Each Option

Carefully read through each option to see which matches the right side's function of sending deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

Option A Analysis

Option A: The pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium, not the aorta. This is incorrect.

Option B Analysis

Option B: The aorta carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body, and the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs. This is incorrect.

Option C Analysis

Option C: The pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs, but the blood does not go to the left ventricle first. This is incorrect.

Option D Analysis

Option D: The pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation. This matches the correct process.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the correct option is identified. The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs.

Key concepts

deoxygenated blood

Deoxygenated blood is blood that has a lower oxygen content and a higher carbon dioxide content. This is typically the blood that has circulated through tissues and organs where it has released its oxygen. It takes up carbon dioxide as a waste product. This blood needs to be sent to the lungs to get rid of carbon dioxide and pick up fresh oxygen.
The right side of the heart handles deoxygenated blood. It collects this blood from the body through large veins known as the venae cavae. From here, it pumps the blood into the lungs through the pulmonary arteries.

pulmonary arteries

The pulmonary arteries are crucial vessels for transporting deoxygenated blood. Their primary role is to carry blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs. This pathway is essential for ensuring that the blood gets oxygenated.
Unlike most arteries which carry oxygenated blood, the pulmonary arteries are unique. They carry deoxygenated blood. They begin at the right ventricle and split into two main branches. One branch goes to each lung. This feature is vital for the process of gas exchange in the lungs.

lungs

The lungs are essential organs for respiration. They have a variety of functions, but their main role in this context is to oxygenate the blood. When deoxygenated blood reaches the lungs via the pulmonary arteries, it goes through tiny blood vessels known as capillaries.
Here, the blood encounters alveoli, which are small air sacs. Oxygen from the air we breathe moves into the blood in the capillaries. At the same time, carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This process is called gas exchange.

• Blood oxygenation: Picking up oxygen to be transported to the rest of the body.
• Carbon dioxide removal: Disposing of the waste product from cells via exhalation.

right ventricle

The right ventricle is one of the four chambers of the heart. It has a critical function, which is to pump deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary arteries.
The right ventricle receives deoxygenated blood from the right atrium. When it contracts, it sends this blood into the pulmonary arteries. Subsequently, the blood travels to the lungs for oxygenation.
The right ventricle has a unique structure perfectly suited for this job. Its walls are muscular enough to pump blood through the pulmonary circulation, but not as thick as the left ventricle, which needs more power to pump blood throughout the whole body.