A nurse is caring for a client undergoing diagnostic evaluation for suspected pulmonary edema. Which finding on an arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is consistent with pulmonary edema?
Decreased pH (acidosis)
Elevated partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)
Decreased partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)
Increased bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels
The Correct Answer is A
A) Correct. Pulmonary edema can lead to impaired gas exchange, resulting in respiratory acidosis, characterized by a decreased pH on ABG analysis.
B) Incorrect. Pulmonary edema typically leads to decreased oxygenation, so an elevated PaO2 would not be consistent with this condition.
C) Incorrect. A decreased PaCO2 is more commonly associated with respiratory alkalosis and is not a primary finding in pulmonary edema.
D) Incorrect. Increased bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels are more indicative of metabolic alkalosis and are not typically associated with pulmonary edema.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Increased myocardial contractility would not typically lead to left ventricular remodeling but might improve cardiac function.
B) Incorrect. Reduced afterload on the heart may be beneficial, but it is not a primary factor in left ventricular remodeling.
C) Correct. Left ventricular remodeling, often occurring after a myocardial infarction, involves changes in the size and shape of the ventricle, which can impair cardiac function and lead to pulmonary edema.
D) Incorrect. Enhanced pulmonary vasodilation is not a primary cause of left ventricular remodeling or pulmonary edema.
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.
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