Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers Related

Review Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers related questions and content

Which of the following conditions is characterized by chronic hypoxemia, pulmonary hypertension, and right heart failure?

  • A. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • B. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
  • C. Pulmonary embolism (PE)
  • D. Cor pulmonale
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Cor pulmonale is a condition characterized by right heart failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension, which is often caused by chronic hypoxemia. Chronic hypoxemia occurs in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) where there is limited airflow in and out of the lungs, leading to low oxygen levels in the blood. However, the specific characteristic of pulmonary hypertension leading to right heart failure distinguishes cor pulmonale from COPD. Other conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and pulmonary embolism (PE) may also lead to hypoxemia but are not primarily associated with pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure as in cor pulmonale.