Following a coronary artery bypass graft performed with cardiopulmonary bypass,a patient develops pulmonary edema.The nurse anticipates that differentiation between ARDS and pulmonary edema of cardiogenic origin will be made by which of the following diagnostic tests?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pulmonary artery wedge pressures (PAWPs) help differentiate between ARDS and pulmonary edema of cardiogenic origin by measuring the pressure in the pulmonary capillaries. ARDS typically has lower pressures while cardiogenic pulmonary edema results in elevated pressure readings. The other diagnostic tests may provide helpful information but are not as specific for differentiating between the two conditions.

Following a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Performed with Cardiopulmonary Bypass,a