A patient with left heart failure starts to have a cough and dyspnea. Pulmonary symptoms common to left heart failure are a result of:
Decreased cardiac output.
Bronchoconstriction.
Inflammatory pulmonary edema.
Pulmonary vascular congestion.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is not the cause of pulmonary symptoms in left heart failure. Decreased cardiac output is a consequence of left heart failure, which affects the perfusion of vital organs and tissues.
Choice B reason: This is not the cause of pulmonary symptoms in left heart failure. Bronchoconstriction is a feature of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affect the airways and cause wheezes and shortness of breath.
Choice C reason: This is not the cause of pulmonary symptoms in left heart failure. Inflammatory pulmonary edema is a type of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, which occurs when the alveolar-capillary membrane is damaged by an inflammatory process, such as pneumonia or sepsis.
Choice D reason: This is the correct cause of pulmonary symptoms in left heart failure. Pulmonary vascular congestion is a result of increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to pump blood effectively to the aorta and the rest of the body. This causes fluid to leak into the alveoli and interstitial spaces, leading to cough, dyspnea, crackles, and pink frothy sputum.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decrease in wheezing present on auscultation indicates that albuterol was effective. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways and reduces the airway resistance. This improves the airflow and reduces the wheezing sound that is caused by the turbulent flow of air through the narrowed airways.
Choice B reason: Respiratory rate increased to 38 breaths/min does not indicate that albuterol was effective. It indicates that the patient is still experiencing respiratory distress and hypoxia. The normal respiratory rate for adults is 12 to 20 breaths/min. A high respiratory rate can also be a side effect of albuterol, as it can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and increase the heart rate and blood pressure.
Choice C reason: Sputum production is clear and watery does not indicate that albuterol was effective. It indicates that the patient has a productive cough and is expelling mucus from the lungs. Sputum production is not directly affected by albuterol, as it does not have anti-inflammatory or mucolytic properties.
Choice D reason: Use of neck muscles does not indicate that albuterol was effective. It indicates that the patient is using accessory muscles to breathe and is exerting more effort to inhale. This is a sign of severe respiratory distress and airway obstruction. Albuterol should relieve the bronchospasm and reduce the need for accessory muscle use.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a sign of left-sided heart failure. Jugular vein distension is a sign of right-sided heart failure, which occurs when the right ventricle fails to pump blood effectively to the lungs.
Choice B reason: This is not a sign of left-sided heart failure. Increased blood pressure is a risk factor for developing heart failure, but it does not indicate the severity or location of the heart failure.
Choice C reason: This is not a sign of left-sided heart failure. Hepatomegaly is a sign of right-sided heart failure, which occurs when the right ventricle fails to pump blood effectively to the systemic circulation.
Choice D reason: This is a sign of left-sided heart failure. Decreased urine output is a result of reduced renal perfusion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to pump blood effectively to the aorta and the rest of the body.
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