Author/Editor		Brvar, Maruša; Klančar, Slavica
Title		Zdravstvena nega bolnika s pljučnim edemom
Translated title		Nursing care of patient with pulmonary oedema
Type		članek
Source		In: Bručan A, Gričar M, editors. Urgentna medicina: izbrana poglavja 6. Zbornik 7. mednarodni simpozij o urgentni medicini; 2000 jun 14-17; Portorož. Ljubljana: Slovensko združenje za urgentno medicino,
Publication year		2000
Volume		str. 497-500
Language		slo
Abstract		Pulmonary oedema may arise from a variety of causes, but the most common is left ventricular failure which transmits an increased pressure into the pulmonary capillaries and produces a leak of fluid from the capillaries into the alveoli. The abnormal accumulation of fluid further impedes adequate gas exchange. Pulmonary oedema is a life-threatening condition and one of the most dramatic situation in internal medicine. Signs and symptoms of pulmonary oedema are orthopnea, dyspnea, tachypnoa, tachycardia, cold and clammy skin, cyanosis or pallor, bubbly respirations, moist cough with frothy, pink sputum, extreme anxiety, fear, air hunger, feeling of suffocation and doom. Rapid therapeutic intervention should be performed as soon as possible. Nurse should sit the patient up with legs dependent if possible, administer oxygen via oxygen mask to decrease hypoxia, check vital signs. Cardiac monitoring will be instituted for detection of arrhytmias. Other measures include the initiation of intravenous line for administration of medications (morphine sulfate, diuretics, nitroglycerin..) and laboratory tests. Resuscitation equipment should be close at hand. Throughout the acute stage of this disease, the patient should be kept as comfortable as possible and provided with calm reassurance of care. He needs much verbal support and touch communication.
Descriptors		PULMONARY EDEMA HEART FAILURE, CONGESTIVE MONITORING, PHYSIOLOGIC COMMUNICATION OXYGEN INHALATION THERAPY