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?

Decreased pH (acidosis)

Elevated partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)

Decreased partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)

Increased bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Correct. Skin temperature and color can provide important clues about tissue perfusion and oxygenation, which are critical in pulmonary edema.

B) Incorrect. While urinary output is important, it is not the primary focus when monitoring respiratory status in pulmonary edema.

C) Incorrect. Bowel sounds are unrelated to pulmonary edema and should not be the priority assessment.

D) Incorrect. Peripheral edema may be a sign of fluid retention, but skin color and temperature are more directly related to respiratory status.

A. Pink, frothy sputum B. Low-grade fever C. Clear breath sounds throughout the lung fields D. Absence of peripheral edema

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client with pulmonary edema. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize when monitoring the client's respiratory status?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with pulmonary edema. Which finding is indicative of severe pulmonary edema and impaired gas exchange?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who experienced an episode of pulmonary edema. Which dietary recommendation should the nurse prioritize for this client?

A nurse is assessing a client with a history of substance abuse. Which substance is known to increase the risk of developing pulmonary edema when used excessively?

A nurse is caring for a client with pulmonary edema. Which medication is commonly administered to manage pulmonary edema by reducing preload and afterload on the heart?

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client recovering from pulmonary edema. What self-care measure should the nurse emphasize to help prevent recurrence?

A nurse is explaining the concept of pulmonary edema to a client. Which description best characterizes pulmonary edema?

A nurse is assisting with the diagnostic workup of a client with suspected pulmonary edema. Which imaging modality can help identify the presence of fluid in the alveoli and interstitial spaces of the lungs?

A nurse is assessing a client with chronic pulmonary edema. Which clinical finding should the nurse expect to observe in this client?

A client is experiencing difficulty breathing and presents with pink, frothy sputum. What term is commonly used to describe this clinical presentation associated with pulmonary edema?