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?

A) Incorrect. While a complete blood count (CBC) may provide some information, it is not the primary diagnostic test for pulmonary edema.

B) Incorrect. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be used to evaluate cardiac function but does not directly assess pulmonary edema.

C) Correct. A chest X-ray is a key diagnostic tool for assessing the presence, severity, and underlying causes of pulmonary edema by visualizing lung and heart structures.

D) Incorrect. Urinalysis is not a primary diagnostic test for pulmonary edema; it is used to assess kidney function and screen for urinary tract infections.

A) Correct. Pink, frothy sputum, often described as "pink froth," is indicative of severe pulmonary edema with the presence of blood-tinged fluid in the alveoli.

B) Incorrect. A low-grade fever is not a typical sign of pulmonary edema and may indicate another underlying condition.

C) Incorrect. Clear breath sounds throughout the lung fields are not indicative of severe pulmonary edema, which often presents with crackles.

D) Incorrect. The absence of peripheral edema does not necessarily reflect the severity of pulmonary edema; it may be related to factors other than heart failure.