A nurse is caring for a client with pulmonary edema. Which finding is indicative of severe pulmonary edema and impaired gas exchange?
Pink, frothy sputum
Low-grade fever
Clear breath sounds throughout the lung fields
Absence of peripheral edema
The Correct Answer is A
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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Elevated body temperature is not a typical manifestation of pulmonary edema.
B) Incorrect. Bradycardia is not a common finding in pulmonary edema.
C) Correct. Crackles in the lung fields are a hallmark sign of pulmonary edema due to the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli.
D) Incorrect. Hypertension is not a typical finding in pulmonary edema; it is more commonly associated with conditions like heart failure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Increased lung compliance would not contribute to pulmonary edema; in fact, it might reduce the risk of fluid accumulation in the lungs.
B) Correct. Impaired alveolar fluid clearance, often due to altered pulmonary capillary permeability, is a key factor in the pathophysiology of pulmonary edema.
C) Incorrect. Constricted pulmonary blood vessels (vasoconstriction) would reduce blood flow to the lungs and are not a primary factor in pulmonary edema.
D) Incorrect. Enhanced left ventricular contractility, while beneficial for cardiac function, is not directly related to the development of pulmonary edema.
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