Congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema

Question 1

What are immediate intervention that should be rendered for pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure if there is fluid in the lungs?

Answer 1

 CPAP at 5-10 cmH2O

NTG – .4 mg every 3 to 5 minutes. Hold for blood pressure is less than 100, and Viagra used in the last 24 hours.

Normal dose of Nitro paste may also be used.

Question 2

In what case is high-dose nitroglycerin acceptable?

Answer 2

For patients in extreme respiratory distress with signs of pulmonary edema and hypertension greater than 200 systolic.

.8 mg every 3 to 5 minutes. Hold for usual contraindications, and return to normal dosing when blood pressure drops below 200 systolic.