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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: ACE inhibitors do not lower heart rate. They lower blood pressure by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor. Beta blockers are the drugs that lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Choice B reason: ACE inhibitors inhibit vasoconstriction. This is the correct statement that describes the action of these medications. By blocking the angiotensin II formation, they prevent the narrowing of the blood vessels and reduce the resistance to blood flow.
Choice C reason: ACE inhibitors do not increase aldosterone secretion. They decrease it. Aldosterone is a hormone that causes the kidneys to retain sodium and water, which increases blood volume and pressure. By blocking the angiotensin II formation, ACE inhibitors reduce the stimulation of aldosterone secretion and promote sodium and water excretion.
Choice D reason: ACE inhibitors do not promote sodium retention. They promote sodium excretion. As explained above, ACE inhibitors reduce the aldosterone secretion and prevent the kidneys from reabsorbing sodium and water. This lowers the blood volume and pressure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Jugular vein distention is a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided. It indicates increased pressure in the right atrium and vena cava.
Choice B reason: Peripheral edema is also a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided. It indicates fluid retention in the lower extremities and abdomen.
Choice C reason: Decreased systemic vascular resistance is not a characteristic of left-sided heart failure. It is a compensatory mechanism that occurs in response to reduced cardiac output.
Choice D reason: Pulmonary congestion is a characteristic of left-sided heart failure. It indicates fluid accumulation in the lungs due to the inability of the left ventricle to pump blood effectively.
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