A nurse is explaining the pathophysiology of pulmonary edema to a group of nursing students. Which physiological mechanism underlies the development of pulmonary edema?
Increased lung compliance
Impaired alveolar fluid clearance
Constricted pulmonary blood vessels
Enhanced left ventricular contractility
The Correct Answer is B
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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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 C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Pulmonary edema is not a bacterial lung infection.
B) Incorrect. Pleuritis (inflammation of the pleura) is a different condition unrelated to pulmonary edema.
C) Correct. Pulmonary edema is characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the lungs, often in the alveoli and interstitial spaces.
D) Incorrect. A blockage in the coronary arteries is related to myocardial infarction (heart attack) and is not the primary characteristic of pulmonary edema.
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