Which of the following describes common symptoms associated with cor pulmonale?

• A. Productive cough with purulent sputum
• B. Fever and chills
• C. Shortness of breath, bulging neck veins, swelling in legs or abdomen, fatigue
• D. Dizziness only

Answer: (C)

Cor pulmonale arises from chronic lung disease that leads to pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure. The key features come from venous congestion and reduced forward flow. So shortness of breath happens because the heart can’t effectively push blood through the lungs, bulging neck veins reflect high right-sided pressures, edema in the legs or abdomen shows fluid backing up, and fatigue stems from decreased overall circulation. Fever with chills or a productive purulent cough would point toward infection rather than this congestive pattern, and dizziness alone isn’t the typical standalone sign. The combination of breathlessness, distended neck veins, leg or abdominal swelling, and fatigue best matches cor pulmonale.