Pulmonary Edema

Question 1

What is Pulmonary Edema?

Answer 1

The accumulation of fluid within the lungs and air spaces

Question 2

Pulmonary Edema is primarily related to what disease?

Answer 2

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Question 3

There are 2 types of Pulmonary Edema. What are they?

Answer 3

High Pressure (Cardiogenic) and High Permeability (Noncardiogenic)

Question 4

What is the most common cause?

Answer 4

Coronary Heart Disease

Question 5

General Symptoms of Pulmonary Edema

Answer 5

Dyspnea, fatigue, exercise intolerance, fluid retention (edema), chest pain, orthopnea, restlessness, anxiety, confusion, limited word sentences

Question 6

Assessment: Lung Sounds

Answer 6

Crackles; start in the bases and move up with worsening symptoms

Question 7

Assessment: Skin Signs/ Perfusion

Answer 7

Pale/ cyanotic, cool skin, delayed cap refill, weak distal pulses, decreased urinary output

Question 8

Classic Sign of Pulmonary Edema

Answer 8

Frothy, blood-tinged sputum

Question 9

What is key with patient’s experiencing Pulmonary Edema?

Answer 9

Reassurance

Question 10

Maintain Systolic Blood Pressure at what level (or above)

Answer 10

100 systolic or above

Question 11

Maintain O2 Saturation at what level (or above)

Answer 11

94% or above

Question 12

Basic Prehospital Treatment

Answer 12

Oxygenation and maintain adequate perfusion