A patient diagnosed with sepsis suddenly develops dyspnea, crackles, hypertension, bounding pulses, agitation, and confusion. The nurse suspects that which condition has developed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are consistent with noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, which can occur as a result of sepsis-induced systemic inflammation and capillary leak. This can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing dyspnea and crackles. Hypertension and bounding pulses may result from increased sympathetic nervous system activity, while agitation and confusion may be caused by hypoxemia and respiratory distress. Right- and left-sided heart failure typically present with different sets of symptoms, and constrictive pericarditis is a rare condition characterized by restrictive filling of the heart.

A Patient Diagnosed with Sepsis Suddenly Develops Dyspnea, Crackles, Hypertension