Pulmonary Edema Flashcards
Pulmonary edema?
Fluid accumulation inside the lungs (inside the alveoli)
Etiology of pulmonary edema?
- Usually left-sided heart failure
- IV fluid overload
- aspiration
- smoke inhalation from a fire
- IV drug abuse
Explain why it is usually due to left-sided HF
Failure of the left ventricle to pump out blood results in congestion into the pulmonary circuit
Explain how IV fluid overload causes edema.
Increased blood volume = increased CHP = fluid from vessels moves into lungs
Explain how aspiration causes edema.
Introducing anything besides air into the lung causes damage which changes permeability, causing fluid to move into lungs
Explain how smoke inhalation from a fire causes edema.
Noxious fumes injury tissue and the damage allows fluid to seep into the alveoli
Explain how IV drug abuse causes edema.
Alters permeability of vessels and neurological functioning (ie. opioids depress CNS)
Explain the pathology of pulmonary edema
Capillary fluid moves into the interstitial space of the lungs (between cells in the wall of the alveoli) and once this area fills, the fluid movies into the alveoli. Gaseous exchange and ventilation decreases and respiratory function is compromised
If 50% of the alveolus is filled with fluid, what does that tell you about the alveoli?
It means that only 50% of the alveoli is free for gas exchange
Manifestations of pulmonary edema
- dyspnea
- productive, frothy cough
- blood-tinged sputum d/t damaged vessels
- wet crackles d/t fluid mixing with air
Why does dyspnea occur?
d/t compromised elasticity (loss of compliance)
What is a cough triggered by in this case?
Irritation to lung surface
Treatment of pulmonary edema?
- respiratory support
- address the underlying problem (or else the fluid will continue to shift into the lungs)
- Diuretic to remove fluid (will take several days to work)
