Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

During an episode of pulmonary edema, which condition may initially occur?

1. Hypertension

2. Hyperventilation

3. Rapid skin cooling

4. Increased appetite

The correct answer is: Hypertension

In the context of pulmonary edema, hypertension can occur as the body's response to various underlying conditions, such as heart failure or fluid overload. When pulmonary edema develops, the left atrium may struggle to effectively handle the influx of blood due to increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation. This can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs, which creates a strained situation for the heart. As a result, the body may react by increasing blood pressure in an attempt to ensure adequate perfusion to vital organs. This response can manifest initially as systemic or pulmonary hypertension, contributing to the severity of the pulmonary edema and potentially exacerbating the situation. Understanding this connection highlights the relationship between heart function, fluid dynamics, and blood pressure regulation during episodes of pulmonary edema.