Pulmonary Edema

Paper Summary:

This paper briefly examines how pulmonary edema is a serious and often fatal outcome of acute and disease processes, that can be and often are completely disassociated from any kind of lung or heart therapies or conditions. The paper also looks at how pharmacological treatment usually involves high doses of diuretics as well as hypertensive and or possibly blood thinners to allow the blood to accept more fluid and therefore pull fluid from the peripheral space. Nursing interventions, which include physical as well as psychological support for condition and treatment, are also examined.

From the Paper:

"If pulmonary edema is known and in treatment the individual is likely to be in intensive care, and being treated with oxygen as well as pharmacological intervention, to reduce the fluid levels. The patient is also likely to be intubated to increase oxygenation and decrease patient workload. (Williams & Hopper, 2003, p. 47-50) Nursing involvement includes careful recording of fluid intake (usually NPO, and a reduction of all IV fluids to the lowest possible needed) and output to determine if fluid is escaping the pulmonary extra venous space and any other dependant areas and returning to a normal fluid balance."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Burke, M. M., & Laramie, J. A. (2000). Primary Care of the Older Adult: A Multidisciplinary Approach. St. Louis, MO: Mosby.
• Williams, L. S. & Hopper, P. D. (2003) Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing 2nd edtn. New York: FA Davis Co.

More papers on Pulmonary Edema:

• Case Study # 134691 : "Anteroseptal MI and Pulmonary Edema"
• Case Study # 105190 : "Myocardial Infarction and Pulmonary Edema"
• Research Proposal # 106444 : "Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema and Heroin Overdoses"

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