A patient is admitted to the emergency department (ED)with dyspnea.Upon assessment,the nurse notes a bluish discoloration of the patient's lips,fine crackles on auscultation,and dullness upon percussion of the lung fields.Based on this data,which diagnosis does the nurse anticipate?

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The patient is exhibiting clinical manifestations of pulmonary edema, which is associated with dyspnea, bluish discoloration of the lips, fine crackles on auscultation, and dullness upon percussion. Asthma would typically present with wheezing and will not have dullness on percussion. Pleural effusion can cause dyspnea and dullness upon percussion, but typically does not cause bluish discoloration of the lips or crackles on auscultation. Pulmonary fibrosis may cause dyspnea, but typically does not cause bluish discoloration of the lips or crackles on auscultation, and may not have dullness upon percussion. Therefore, pulmonary edema is the most likely diagnosis.

A Patient Is Admitted to the Emergency Department (ED)with Dyspnea