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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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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.

A. Regular exercise regimen B. Smoking cessation C. Hypertension control D. Prior heart muscle damage

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Incorrect. Regular exercise is generally beneficial for heart health and would not increase the risk of pulmonary edema.

B) Incorrect. Smoking cessation is a positive health behavior and does not increase the risk of pulmonary edema.

C) Incorrect. Hypertension control is important for reducing the risk of heart-related complications and pulmonary edema.

D) Correct. Prior heart muscle damage, such as from a myocardial infarction (MI), increases the risk of heart failure and subsequently pulmonary edema.

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A client with pulmonary edema complains of a feeling of "suffocation." Which physiological mechanism contributes to this sensation in pulmonary edema?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is experiencing difficulty breathing and presents with pink, frothy sputum. What term is commonly used to describe this clinical presentation associated with pulmonary edema?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with a history of myocardial infarction (MI). Which factor related to the client's medical history increases the risk of developing pulmonary edema?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with pulmonary edema. Which finding is indicative of severe pulmonary edema and impaired gas exchange?

A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pulmonary edema. The client has a history of hypertension and diabetes. Which comorbidity is considered a significant risk factor for the development of pulmonary edema?

A client presents to the emergency department with suspected pulmonary edema. Which symptom is most commonly associated with acute pulmonary edema?

A nurse is assessing a client with a history of substance abuse. Which substance is known to increase the risk of developing pulmonary edema when used excessively?

A nurse is explaining the concept of pulmonary edema to a client. Which description best characterizes pulmonary edema?

A client with heart failure develops pulmonary edema. Which part of the heart's pumping action is impaired in this condition, leading to fluid backup in the lungs?

A client with suspected pulmonary edema is undergoing diagnostic testing. Which laboratory parameter is often elevated in cases of heart failure-related pulmonary edema?

A nurse is caring for a client with pulmonary edema. Which position should the nurse recommend to promote optimal lung expansion and gas exchange?