Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Test Bank Related

Review Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Test Bank related questions and content

The primary underlying disorder of pulmonary edema is:

  • A. Decreased left ventricular pumping
  • B. Increased left atrial contractility
  • C. Decreased right ventricular elasticity
  • D. Increased right atrial pressure
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Pulmonary edema is caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs due to increased pressure in the pulmonary vasculature.
Step 2: Decreased left ventricular pumping leads to congestive heart failure, causing increased pressure in pulmonary circulation.
Step 3: This increased pressure forces fluid from the capillaries into the alveoli, causing pulmonary edema.
Step 4: Increased left atrial contractility (B) would not directly lead to pulmonary edema.
Step 5: Decreased right ventricular elasticity (C) and increased right atrial pressure (D) are not directly related to the pathophysiology of pulmonary edema.
Summary: The correct answer is A because decreased left ventricular pumping directly contributes to the increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation that leads to pulmonary edema. Choices B, C, and D do not align with the primary underlying disorder of pulmonary edema.