Which finding is expected for a child admitted with congestive heart failure?

In a child admitted with congestive heart failure, exercise intolerance is indeed an expected finding. This occurs because heart failure affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to insufficient oxygenation and nutrient supply to the muscles during physical activity. As a result, children with congestive heart failure may quickly tire due to their heart's inability to meet the increased demands placed on it during exercise. This finding is crucial for assessing the child's overall condition and guiding appropriate interventions to improve their quality of life.

The other options highlight findings that are less characteristic of congestive heart failure in children. For instance, a pulse deficit is typically associated with arrhythmias rather than heart failure itself. Similarly, bradypnea, which is slow respiratory rate, may indicate a different underlying issue, such as respiratory distress, rather than heart failure. Flattened neck veins are also uncommon in congestive heart failure; instead, distended neck veins are usually a hallmark sign due to increased venous pressure. Thus, exercise intolerance stands out as a significant symptom directly related to the functional impairments caused by congestive heart failure.