A patient diagnosed with sepsis suddenly develops dyspnea, crackles, agitation, and confusion. The nurse recognizes these are symptoms of which health problem?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are consistent with noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, which can occur as a complication of sepsis. The dyspnea and crackles suggest fluid accumulation in the lungs, while the agitation and confusion may be due to hypoxia. Right-sided heart failure and constrictive pericarditis are unlikely in this scenario, and although left-sided heart failure can cause pulmonary edema, the sudden onset and association with sepsis make noncardiogenic pulmonary edema more likely.

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