A nurse is caring for a client with acute pulmonary edema. Which mechanism is responsible for the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli and interstitial spaces in this condition?

A) Correct. Increased hydrostatic pressure in pulmonary capillaries, often due to left ventricular failure, leads to the filtration of fluid from the capillaries into the alveoli and interstitial spaces, causing pulmonary edema.

B) Incorrect. Decreased capillary permeability is not typically a primary factor in the development of pulmonary edema.

C) Incorrect. Enhanced lymphatic drainage from the lungs is not a primary mechanism responsible for the accumulation of fluid in pulmonary edema.

D) Incorrect. Elevated colloid osmotic pressure in pulmonary vessels would oppose fluid accumulation in the alveoli and is not a primary cause of pulmonary edema.

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.