Republic of the Philippines

Mindanao State University – Main Campus

NAME: PANAMBULAN, NORHANA M.
PANGCATAN, MOHAMMAD HIZAM M.
College of Health and Sciences
9709, Marawi City

PATHOLOGIC PROCESS
WHAT IS PULMONARY EDEMA?

Pulmonary Edema is a condition caused by too much fluid in

the lungs, The fluid that is collected in the many air sacs
within the lungs causes breathing to be difficult. In most
cases, it is caused by heart problems.

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT (if there are any)

➢ In rare cases, surgery may be

needed. Noninvasive, positive DIAGNOSTIC/ LABORATORY
pressure ventilation (NPPV)
PHARMACOLOGIC MANAGEMENT AND
and continuous positive airway NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES EXAMINATIONS
pressure (CPAP) may help treat • Chest X-ray – a chest X-ray can confirm the
acute cardiogenic pulmonary • Morphine – reduce anxiety diagnosis of pulmonary edema and
edema. exclude other possible causes of shortness
• Diuretic therapy – reduce fluid overload and of breath.
pulmonary congestion • Chest computerized tomography (CT)
MEDICAL PROCEDURE/ MANAGEMENT
scan - chest CT scan gives more details
• Vasodilators therapy (nitroglycerine);
about the condition of the lungs. It can
reduce the amount of blood returning to the
• Oxygen – the first treatment help a provider diagnose or rule out
heart and reduces resistance heart must
pulmonary edema.
• Diuretics – Diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix), pump.
• Pulse oximetry - sensor is attached to a
decrease the pressure caused by excess fluid in the finger or ear. It uses light to determine
• Contractility enhancement therapy:
heart and lungs. how much oxygen is in the blood.
(Digoxin, dopamine, dobutamine) –
improves the ability of the heart muscle to • Arterial blood gas test - this test
• Blood pressure drugs – These helps manage high or
pump more effectively, allowing for measures the amount of oxygen and
low blood pressure, which can occur with pulmonary
complete emptying of blood from left carbon dioxide in the blood.
edema.
ventricle and a subsequent decrease in fluid • B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) blood
• Inotropes – This type of medication is given through an backing up into the lungs test.
IV for people in the hospital with severe heart failure. • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)his
• Aminophylline – prevent bronchospasm painless test detects and records the
• Morphine (MS Contin, Infumorph others) – This associated with pulmonary congestion timing and strength of the heart's
narcotic may be taken by mouth or given through an IV signals.
to relieve shortness of breath and anxiety. • Echocardiogram - an echocardiogram
uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create
pictures of the beating heart.
NURSING MANAGEMENT • Cardiac catheterization and coronary
(Highlight the Priority Nursing Interventions) angiogram - this test may be done if
other tests don't show the cause of
• Help the patient relax to promote oxygenation. pulmonary edema, or when there's also
chest pain. It helps health care
• Place the patient high Fowlers position to enhance lung expansion. providers see blockages in the heart
arteries.
• Administer oxygen as ordered. • Ultrasound of the lungs - this painless
• Carefully record the time morphine is given and the amount administered. test uses sound waves to measure
blood flow through the lungs. It can
• Assess the patient’s condition frequently. quickly reveal signs of fluid buildup and
plural effusions.
• Watch for complications of treatment such as electrolyte depletion.

• Monitor vital signs every 15 – 30 minutes or more often as indicated

• Urge the patient to comply with the prescribed medication regimen to avoid future
episodes of pulmonary edema.

• Explain all procedure to the patient and his family.

• Emphasize reporting early signs of fluid overload

• Review all prescribed medications with the patient

• Discuss ways to observe physical energy.