Pulmonary Edema Flashcards
(14 cards)
What occurs during pulmonary edema?
Fluid buildup in lung tissue and air spaces occurs when fluid from the blood plasma migrates into the lung parenchyma.
This condition compromises gas exchange long before overt signs are present.
How can pulmonary edema be classified?
Pulmonary edema can be classified as:
* High pressure (cardiogenic)
* High permeability (noncardiogenic)
This classification helps in identifying the underlying causes.
What is cardiogenic pulmonary edema often called?
Heart failure.
It can result from dysfunction of the right or left ventricle, chronic hypertension, or dysrhythmias.
List some causes of cardiogenic pulmonary edema.
- Dysfunction of the right or left ventricle
- Chronic hypertension
- Dysrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia
- Cardiac diseases such as myocarditis
These factors contribute to increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation.
What characterizes high permeability (noncardiogenic) pulmonary edema?
Occurs in cases of acute hypoxemia, such as when inhaled toxins or near-submersion damages alveolar tissue.
This causes fluid to seep into the lungs.
What can damage the pulmonary capillaries leading to noncardiogenic pulmonary edema?
- Inhaled toxins
- Near-submersion
- Trauma
- Severe shock
- Cardiac arrest
- Altitude changes
These factors can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome or high-altitude pulmonary edema.
Why might some patients present with significant pulmonary edema after traveling?
Because they did not take diuretics while traveling.
This can lead to fluid retention and exacerbation of symptoms.
What should be asked if a patient has been traveling regarding their medication?
Whether prescribed medications have been taken regularly.
This is important for managing pulmonary edema.
What are the early signs of pulmonary edema?
Few signs are apparent early in pulmonary edema.
By the time fine crackles become audible, fluid has already leaked out of the capillaries.
What causes fine crackles in the lungs during pulmonary edema?
Fields of wet alveoli popping open as the lungs reach maximal inflation.
This is indicative of fluid leakage.
Where should you listen for lung sounds in a patient with pulmonary edema?
Always listen to the lower lobes of the lungs through the patient’s back—but never through clothing.
This provides the best assessment of fluid presence.
What happens to crackles as pulmonary edema worsens?
Crackles may originate higher in the patient’s lung fields, often described as ‘crackles up to the subscapular level’ or ‘crackles up to the apices.’
This reflects the progression of fluid accumulation.
What indicates that fluid has migrated into the larger airways during pulmonary edema?
Coarse crackles will become audible during inspiration and exhalation, and tactile fremitus may be identified.
This signifies worsening of the condition.
What is a classic sign of severe pulmonary edema?
Coughing up pink, foamy, or blood-tinged sputum.
This is often due to the presence of red blood cells.
