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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct. Pink, frothy sputum is often referred to as hemoptysis and is a common presentation in pulmonary edema.
B) Incorrect. Orthopnea refers to difficulty breathing when lying flat and is associated with heart failure but is not specifically related to pink, frothy sputum.
C) Incorrect. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) is another symptom of heart failure but does not involve the coughing up of pink, frothy sputum.
D) Incorrect. Crepitus is a term used to describe a crackling or popping sound and is not directly related to the sputum seen in pulmonary edema.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Intravenous antibiotics may be necessary for certain pulmonary infections, but they do not address the immediate oxygenation needs in acute pulmonary edema.
B) Correct. Providing supplemental oxygen helps increase the client's oxygen levels, improving oxygenation in acute pulmonary edema.
C) Incorrect. While deep breathing exercises are beneficial for overall lung health, they may not be sufficient to address the immediate oxygenation issue in acute pulmonary edema.
D) Incorrect. Antipyretic medications are used to reduce fever and do not directly improve oxygenation in pulmonary edema.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.