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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Nausea and vomiting are not typically associated with pulmonary edema.
B) Correct. Orthopnea, or difficulty breathing when lying flat, is a common symptom of pulmonary edema related to heart failure.
C) Incorrect. While sweating and diaphoresis can occur in response to respiratory distress, they are not specific to pulmonary edema.
D) Incorrect. Sharp, stabbing chest pain is not a common manifestation of pulmonary edema but may occur with other cardiac or respiratory conditions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Atrial contraction contributes to ventricular filling but is not typically the primary site of impairment in heart failure leading to pulmonary edema.
B) Incorrect. Ventricular relaxation (diastole) is necessary for ventricular filling, but the impaired contraction during systole is a more common issue in heart failure.
C) Correct. Impaired ventricular contraction (systole) in heart failure results in reduced forward flow of blood and leads to fluid backup in the lungs, contributing to pulmonary edema.
D) Incorrect. Electrical conduction in the heart may affect heart rhythm but is not directly related to the development of pulmonary edema.
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