What is a common symptom indicating a nurse should assess for heart failure in a patient?

Weight gain is a common symptom that indicates a nurse should assess for heart failure in a patient. In the context of heart failure, patients often experience fluid retention due to the heart's inability to pump effectively. This fluid accumulation can lead to noticeable weight gain over a short period, which is a red flag warranting further assessment for potential heart failure.

In contrast, weight loss may suggest other underlying conditions and does not typically correlate with heart failure. An increased appetite would not usually be associated with heart failure; in fact, many patients may experience a decreased appetite due to symptoms and systemic effects of the condition. Excessive fatigue can occur in various health issues, but it is more general and less specific than weight gain when it comes to identifying heart failure. Therefore, weight gain stands out as a critical sign that requires immediate assessment for heart failure.