What pathophysiologic process causes edema?
Decreased osmotic pressure
Decreased capillary permeability
Decreased hydrostatic pressure
Decreased histamine secretion
The Correct Answer is A
A. Decreased osmotic pressure: Edema often results from decreased plasma osmotic (oncotic) pressure, which reduces the ability of plasma proteins, primarily albumin, to retain fluid within the vascular compartment. When osmotic pressure drops, fluid shifts from the intravascular space into the interstitial tissues, leading to swelling. Conditions such as hypoalbuminemia, liver disease, or malnutrition can precipitate this process.
B. Decreased capillary permeability: Decreased capillary permeability would actually limit the movement of fluid and proteins out of the capillaries into the interstitial space. Edema typically occurs when capillary permeability increases, not decreases, as seen in inflammation or injury.
C. Decreased hydrostatic pressure: Reduced hydrostatic pressure within capillaries decreases the outward push of fluid into the interstitial space, which would reduce, rather than cause, edema. Elevated hydrostatic pressure, such as in heart failure or venous obstruction, contributes to edema instead.
D. Decreased histamine secretion: Histamine increases capillary permeability and promotes fluid movement into tissues. Decreased histamine secretion would reduce fluid leakage and swelling, making it unlikely to cause edema.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Troponin:Troponin is a cardiac-specific protein released into the bloodstream when myocardial cells are damaged. During a myocardial infarction (MI), necrosis of heart muscle elevates troponin levels within a few hours, making it the most sensitive and specific marker for acute myocardial injury. Serial measurements help confirm diagnosis and assess infarct size.
B. Potassium:Potassium levels may fluctuate during an MI due to cellular injury or reperfusion, but potassium is not a primary marker of myocardial infarction. Hyperkalemia or hypokalemia may occur secondary to complications but does not reliably indicate MI.
C. Hemoglobin:Hemoglobin reflects red blood cell concentration and is unaffected by myocardial ischemia or infarction. It may be influenced by blood loss or hydration status but is not elevated as a result of myocardial injury.
D. Creatinine:Creatinine reflects renal function and can rise in cases of acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. It is not directly elevated due to myocardial infarction unless secondary renal impairment occurs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis:Respiratory acidosis occurs when hypoventilation causes CO2 retention, leading to a decreased pH (acidemia) and elevated PaCO2. In this scenario, the pH is elevated, and PaCO2 is low, which does not align with respiratory acidosis.
B. Metabolic alkalosis:Metabolic alkalosis involves an elevated pH and increased HCO3-. In this case, HCO3- is within normal limits (24 mEq/L), so the primary disturbance is not metabolic.
C. Respiratory alkalosis:Respiratory alkalosis results from hyperventilation, causing excessive CO2 elimination. This decreases PaCO2 (30 mmHg), elevates pH (7.50), and shows normal HCO3-, indicating a primary respiratory origin with no metabolic compensation.
D. Metabolic acidosis:Metabolic acidosis presents with a decreased pH and low HCO3-, often with a compensatory decrease in PaCO2. The elevated pH and normal HCO3- in this case do not support metabolic acidosis.
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