A patient is diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. Which complications would the health care professional assess the patient for?

Left heart failure

Restrictive cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Right heart failure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Left heart failure: COPD primarily affects the lungs and increases pulmonary vascular resistance, leading to right-sided heart strain rather than left heart failure. Left heart failure is more commonly associated with conditions such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, and valvular diseases, which impair the heart’s ability to pump blood systemically.

B. Restrictive cardiomyopathy: Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart muscle becomes stiff and loses its ability to relax and fill properly, often due to infiltrative diseases such as amyloidosis or sarcoidosis. COPD does not directly lead to restrictive cardiomyopathy, as its primary cardiovascular complication is increased pulmonary resistance causing right heart strain.

C. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, usually due to genetic mutations. It primarily affects the left ventricle and impairs diastolic filling. COPD does not cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as its cardiovascular effects are due to pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular overload rather than structural abnormalities of the myocardium.

D. Right heart failure: Chronic COPD leads to persistent pulmonary hypertension due to hypoxic vasoconstriction and remodeling of pulmonary vessels. This increased pulmonary vascular resistance forces the right ventricle to work harder to pump blood into the lungs, leading to right ventricular hypertrophy and eventual right heart failure, also known as cor pulmonale. Symptoms include peripheral edema, jugular vein distention, and hepatomegaly due to systemic venous congestion.

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Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Expecting copious amounts of frothy, pink sputum: This symptom is typically associated with left-sided heart failure or pulmonary edema, where fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to the production of frothy, pink sputum. It is not a classic manifestation of right-sided heart failure.

B. Fine crackles throughout both lung fields: Fine crackles are more indicative of left-sided heart failure due to fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary congestion). In right-sided heart failure, the primary issues relate more to systemic congestion rather than pulmonary congestion.

C. +pitting edema in lower extremities: Right-sided heart failure often leads to fluid retention and peripheral edema due to increased venous pressure. Pitting edema in the lower extremities is a common clinical manifestation in patients with cor pulmonale and right-sided heart failure.

D. Altered level of consciousness: This can occur due to decreased cardiac output and resulting reduced cerebral perfusion. In right-sided heart failure, especially in advanced stages, fluid overload can lead to increased intracranial pressure, contributing to altered mental status.

E. Jugular vein distention: Jugular vein distention is a classic sign of right-sided heart failure. Increased pressure in the right atrium due to fluid overload results in distended neck veins, indicating elevated venous pressure.

A. Jugular vein distention B. Peripheral edema C. Ronchi bilaterally D. Dyspnea on exertion E. Systemic blood pressure greater than 130/90 mm HG

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

A. Jugular vein distention: Pulmonary hypertension increases right ventricular afterload, leading to right heart failure. As the right ventricle struggles to pump against elevated pulmonary pressures, blood backs up into the systemic circulation, causing jugular vein distention (JVD).

B. Peripheral edema: Right-sided heart failure due to pulmonary hypertension leads to venous congestion and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral edema. Swelling is commonly observed in the lower extremities due to increased venous hydrostatic pressure.

C. Ronchi bilaterally: Rhonchi are low-pitched breath sounds typically associated with airway obstruction due to secretions, commonly seen in conditions like chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. Pulmonary hypertension primarily affects the pulmonary vasculature rather than the airways, making rhonchi an unlikely manifestation.

D. Dyspnea on exertion: Pulmonary hypertension increases pressure in the pulmonary arteries, reducing oxygen exchange and causing exertional dyspnea. This symptom is often one of the earliest clinical manifestations as increased pulmonary vascular resistance impairs oxygen delivery.

E. Systemic blood pressure greater than 130/90 mm Hg: Pulmonary hypertension specifically affects the pulmonary circulation, not systemic arterial pressure. While pulmonary hypertension can eventually contribute to left heart dysfunction, it does not directly cause systemic hypertension.

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A patient is diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. Which complications would the health care professional assess the patient for?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

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