CHAPTER 1 Cardiovascular System^45
Pulmonary Edema
WHAT WENT WRONG?
Fluid builds up in the lungs as a result of ineffective pumping of blood by the heart
as a result of left-sided heart failure, AMI, worsening of heart failure, or volume
overload. The patient experiences hypoxia, which is insufficient oxygen supply to
tissues, caused by decreased oxygenation of the blood. Several noncardiac issues
may lead to pulmonary embolism.
PROGNOSIS
Poor heart function results in fluid overload, which results in further diminished
cardiac function, causing marked dyspnea.
HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Difficulty breathing even when sitting upright (because of the fluid in the
lungs) - Rapid breathing: greater than 20 breaths per minute (tachypnea), because the
body is trying to get more oxygen - Frothy sputum with a tinge of blood due to capillary permeability
- Cyanosis
- Cool, clammy skin because the body is diverting blood flow from the
periphery - Restlessness and fear due to lack of oxygenation
- Distended jugular vein due to increased pressure within chest
- Crackles, wheezing heard in the lungs as the air moves through the fluid
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Oxygen saturation under 90 percent.
- CXR: aleveolar fluid, large heart.
- Echocardiogram to determine ejection fraction percentages in the heart.
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