Pulmonary Edema

Question 1

What is Pulmonary Edema?

Answer 1

fluid accumulation in the lungs, specifically fluid accumulation in the alveoli

Question 2

what is the problem with fluid accumulating in the alveoli?

Answer 2

the fluid accumulation causes the diffusion distances to be altered , then that gases have to diffuse across bigger effusion spaces

Question 3

how does the fluid move in pulmonary edema and what is the outcome? why does the fluid move in the first place?

Answer 3

fluid moves from capillaries to interstitial space to alveoli causing decreased respiration
the fluid moving is due to altered hemodynamics or lung trauma (ex. Pneumonia, BP, blood volume, hydrostatic/osmotic pressure)

Question 4

what are hemodynamics?

Answer 4

the dynamics of blood flow

circulatory system is controlled by homeostatic mechanisms

Question 5

what is some of the other etiology(causes) of pulmonary edema?

Answer 5

• IV fluid overload
• aspiration
• smoke inhalation (from fire)
• IV drug abuse (particularly narcotics)

Question 6

Patho of Pulmonary Edema?

Answer 6

capillary fluid moves into interstitial space of lining of alveoli then fluid moves into alveoli cause decrease respiratory function (because fluid is pushed into air space causing decreased space for air & decrease in compliance)

Question 7

manifestations of pulmonary edema?

Answer 7

-dyspnea
-productive frothy cough (b/c fluid mixed with air)
-blood tinged sputum
-

Question 8

manifestations of pulmonary edema?

Answer 8

• dyspnea
• productive frothy cough (b/c fluid mixed with air)
• blood tinged sputum
• decreased compliance
• wet crackles (from the movement of air & fluid)
• fluid accumulation (if minimal volume wont produce with coughing, if large volume could have a cough (THIS IS A DRY COUGH)

Question 9

Treatment of pulmonary edema

Answer 9

• resp support
• diuretic
• cause (fix underlying problem)

Question 10

what is usually the cause of pulmonary edema?

Answer 10

LEFT SIDED HEART FAILURE (cardiogenic)