A client with pulmonary edema complains of a feeling of "suffocation." Which physiological mechanism contributes to this sensation in pulmonary edema?
Hyperventilation leading to respiratory alkalosis
Reduced cardiac output resulting in bradycardia
Impaired oxygen diffusion causing hypoxemia
Elevated blood pressure and hypertension
The Correct Answer is C
A) Incorrect. Hyperventilation leading to respiratory alkalosis may occur in response to respiratory distress but is not the primary cause of the sensation of "suffocation."
B) Incorrect. Reduced cardiac output may be a consequence of pulmonary edema, but it does not typically result in bradycardia, nor is it the primary cause of the sensation described.
C) Correct. In pulmonary edema, fluid accumulation in the alveoli impairs oxygen diffusion, leading to hypoxemia, which contributes to the sensation of "suffocation."
D) Incorrect. Elevated blood pressure and hypertension can be associated with heart failure but are not the primary factors contributing to the sensation of "suffocation" in pulmonary edema.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Nausea and vomiting are not typically associated with pulmonary edema.
B) Correct. Orthopnea, or difficulty breathing when lying flat, is a common symptom of pulmonary edema related to heart failure.
C) Incorrect. While sweating and diaphoresis can occur in response to respiratory distress, they are not specific to pulmonary edema.
D) Incorrect. Sharp, stabbing chest pain is not a common manifestation of pulmonary edema but may occur with other cardiac or respiratory conditions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct. Pink, frothy sputum is often referred to as hemoptysis and is a common presentation in pulmonary edema.
B) Incorrect. Orthopnea refers to difficulty breathing when lying flat and is associated with heart failure but is not specifically related to pink, frothy sputum.
C) Incorrect. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) is another symptom of heart failure but does not involve the coughing up of pink, frothy sputum.
D) Incorrect. Crepitus is a term used to describe a crackling or popping sound and is not directly related to the sputum seen in pulmonary edema.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.