Pulmonary Edema
Pathophysiology
Imbalance of starling force
Damage to alveolar capillary
Lymphatic obstruction
Idiopathic or Unknown
Disruption of endothelial barrier
Definition
Pulmonary edema is abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lung tissue or alveolar space or both. This condition is severe and life threatening
Diagnostics
Nursing Management
Control high blood pressure Avoid causative factors Maintain a health diet, weight, and excersize
Etiology congestive heart failure. When the heart is not able to pump efficiently, blood can back up into the veins that take blood through the lungs. As the pressure in these blood vessels increases, fluid is pushed into the air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs :
A feeling of suffocating or drowning
Wheezing or gasping for breath
Cold, clammy skin
A cough that produces frothy sputum
that may be tinged with blood
Blue-tinged lips
A rapid, irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
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Medical Management
Diuretics Doctors commonly prescribe diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix), to decrease the pressure caused by excess fluid in your heart and lungs.
** Morphine (MS Contin). This narcotic may be used to relieve shortness of breath and anxiety. But some doctors believe that the risks of morphine may outweigh the benefits and are more apt to use other drugs.
•Blood pressure medications.
Kerline Tador 000-08-5422