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?
Increased hydrostatic pressure in pulmonary capillaries
Decreased capillary permeability in the lungs
Enhanced lymphatic drainage from the lungs
Elevated colloid osmotic pressure in pulmonary vessels
The Correct Answer is A
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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Oxygen saturation levels are typically assessed using pulse oximetry and are not provided by an echocardiogram.
B) Incorrect. Blood pressure measurements are not directly assessed through an echocardiogram.
C) Correct. An echocardiogram provides valuable information about the structure and function of the heart, which can help diagnose the underlying cause of pulmonary edema, such as heart failure.
D) Incorrect. A white blood cell count is not part of an echocardiogram and is not used to diagnose pulmonary edema.
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