Which of the following statements best describes systemic congestion in right-sided heart failure?

Systemic congestion in right-sided heart failure is primarily characterized by the buildup of fluid in the body's tissues due to the inability of the right side of the heart to effectively pump blood to the lungs and subsequently to the left side of the heart. This results in a backup of blood in the systemic circulation, leading to increased fluid retention in various parts of the body.

Symptoms such as weight gain and ascites specifically illustrate the conditions that arise from this systemic congestion. Weight gain occurs due to fluid retention, which can lead to swelling and an increase in body weight over time. Ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, manifests due to the increased pressure in the venous system, causing leakage of fluid into the spaces surrounding the organs. These symptoms are typical manifestations of right-sided heart failure and reflect the systemic effects of congestion.

The other options present scenarios that do not accurately reflect the pathophysiology of right-sided heart failure. The focus on respiratory symptoms alone underestimates the systemic nature of the condition. Increased blood flow to the extremities contradicts the typical clinical presentation, where fluid tends to accumulate in the abdomen and lower extremities. Additionally, stating that right-sided heart failure only affects the left side of the heart disregards