A patient has been diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). For what other health condition should the healthcare professional assess this patient for as the priority?

A. Aortic stenosis: Aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure due to left ventricular outflow obstruction, but it is not the most direct cause of pulmonary edema. This condition may present with other symptoms, such as chest pain or syncope, rather than fluid accumulation in the lungs.

B. Left-sided heart failure: Left-sided heart failure is a primary cause of pulmonary edema, as it leads to increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation and fluid leakage into the alveoli. Assessing for this condition is crucial, as it directly contributes to the patient's pulmonary edema and requires immediate management.

C. Mitral valve prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse can cause mitral regurgitation and lead to heart failure, but it is less commonly associated with acute pulmonary edema compared to left-sided heart failure. While assessment is important, it is not the priority in this scenario.

D. Right-sided heart failure: Right-sided heart failure typically leads to systemic congestion and peripheral edema rather than pulmonary edema. While it can coexist with left-sided heart failure, it is not the primary concern when assessing a patient specifically for pulmonary edema.

A. Jugular vein distention: Pulmonary hypertension increases right ventricular afterload, leading to right heart failure. As the right ventricle struggles to pump against elevated pulmonary pressures, blood backs up into the systemic circulation, causing jugular vein distention (JVD).

B. Peripheral edema: Right-sided heart failure due to pulmonary hypertension leads to venous congestion and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral edema. Swelling is commonly observed in the lower extremities due to increased venous hydrostatic pressure.

C. Ronchi bilaterally: Rhonchi are low-pitched breath sounds typically associated with airway obstruction due to secretions, commonly seen in conditions like chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. Pulmonary hypertension primarily affects the pulmonary vasculature rather than the airways, making rhonchi an unlikely manifestation.

D. Dyspnea on exertion: Pulmonary hypertension increases pressure in the pulmonary arteries, reducing oxygen exchange and causing exertional dyspnea. This symptom is often one of the earliest clinical manifestations as increased pulmonary vascular resistance impairs oxygen delivery.

E. Systemic blood pressure greater than 130/90 mm Hg: Pulmonary hypertension specifically affects the pulmonary circulation, not systemic arterial pressure. While pulmonary hypertension can eventually contribute to left heart dysfunction, it does not directly cause systemic hypertension.