The nurse is assessing a patient who is demonstrating dyspnea, orthopnea, cyanosis, clammy skin, crackles, and a productive cough with pink, frothy sputum. The nurse realizes that the patient likely has which condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described suggest pulmonary edema, which is a condition where there is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs. The dyspnea, orthopnea, and cyanosis are all indicative of respiratory distress, and the crackles and productive cough with pink, frothy sputum are signs of the presence of fluid in the lungs. Chronic heart failure can lead to pulmonary edema, but it is not a specific diagnosis in this case. Endocarditis and angina are not the most likely diagnoses based on the symptoms described.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Patient Who Is Demonstrating Dyspnea