NOT a feature typically associated with pulmonary edema?

NOT a feature typically associated with pulmonary edema?

• A. Orthopnea
• B. Frothy sputum
• C. JVD
• D. Hyperkalemia

Answer: (D)

Pulmonary edema classically reflects elevated hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary circulation, leading to signs of fluid backing up into the lungs and chest. When a patient lies down, venous return increases, worsening pulmonary capillary pressure and causing orthopnea. Edema fluid in the alveoli produces frothy sputum, often with a pink tint from capillary leakage. Distended neck veins reflect increased right-sided pressures and overall volume overload from heart failure, contributing to jugular venous distension. Hyperkalemia is an electrolyte disturbance that affects cardiac conduction and muscle function, not a defining feature of pulmonary edema itself, even though it can occur in patients with kidney or cardiac disease.

Pulmonary edema classically reflects elevated hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary circulation, leading to signs of fluid backing up into the lungs and chest. When a patient lies down, venous return increases, worsening pulmonary capillary pressure and causing orthopnea. Edema fluid in the alveoli produces frothy sputum, often with a pink tint from capillary leakage. Distended neck veins reflect increased right-sided pressures and overall volume overload from heart failure, contributing to jugular venous distension. Hyperkalemia is an electrolyte disturbance that affects cardiac conduction and muscle function, not a defining feature of pulmonary edema itself, even though it can occur in patients with kidney or cardiac disease.