Pulmonary Edema Flashcards
pulmonary edema
fluid accumulation inside the lung (inside alveoli)
is there fluid in the lungs already
yes, such as surfactant. the accumulation of fluid is the pathophysiology
etiology
- usually d/t L-sided HF
- IV fluid overload
- aspiration
- smoke inhalation
- IV drug abuse
how does L-sided HF cause pulmonary edema
failure of L ventricle to pump blood out causes congestion in the pulmonary circuit
how does IV fluid overload cause pulmonary edema
inc blood vol = inc CHP = fluid moves from vessels into lungs
how does aspiration cause pulmonary edema
anything besides air in lungs –> lung damage –> inc permb –> fluid moves into lungs
how does smoke inhalation cause pulmonary edema
from a fire –> noxious fumes injure tissue –> damage allows fluid to seep into alveoli
how does IV drug abuse (narcotics) cause pulmonary edema
alters permb of vessels & neurological functioning (ex. opioids depress CNS)
patho
fluid entry & accum –> impaired gas exchange
- capillary fluid moves into interstitial space of lungs (b/w cells in wall of alveoli); once this area fills, fluid moves into alveoli
- dec gas exchange & ventilation compromises resp Fx
- borders of lung lobules have lymphatic vessel, which, when filled with fluid, become engorged & distinct lobules of the lung become visible (pathologic if can see lobules)
mnfts
- dyspnea
- productive, frothy cough
- blood-tinged sputum
- wet crackles
why does dyspnea mnft
- d/t compromised elasticity
- l/o compliance, like a balloon that is half-filled with water –> unable to inflate
why does a productive, frothy cough mnft
triggered by irritation to lung surface
why does blood-tinged sputum mnft
d/t damaged blood vessels (from smoking, aspiration, IV drug abuse)
why does wet crackles mnf t
d/t fluid mixing with air
Tx
- resp support
- address underlying problem
- diuretic (to remove fluid)
