LVF / Acute Pulmonary Oedema

Question 1

LVF / APO - Pathophysiology

Answer 1

A precipitating event (injury, infection, ischaemia etc) causes reduced pumping ability of the L) ventricle&raquo_space; increased preload and afterload, requiring that the heart works harder & further weakening the ventricles&raquo_space; build up of fluid within the pulmonary circulation&raquo_space;

Question 2

LVF / APO - Treatment Priorities

Answer 2

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Question 3

LVF / APO - Treatment Rationale

Answer 3

GTN: mediates vasodilator effects, reducing venous return and preload as well as after load on the heart, thereby reducing myocardial workload and oxygen requirement

CPAP: helps to re-expand functionally collapsed alveoli and reverse the process of alveolar flooding, redistributing fluid in the lungs