The nurse is caring for a client who develops increasing dyspnea and hypoxemia 2 days after having cardiac surgery. To determine whether the client has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or pulmonary edema caused by left ventricular failure, thenursewill anticipate assisting with which of the following actions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pulmonary artery wedge pressures are normal in the client with ARDS because the fluid in the alveoli is caused by increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane rather than by the backup of fluid from the lungs (as occurs in cardiogenic pulmonary edema).
The other tests will not help in differentiating cardiogenic from noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Develops Increasing