Pulmonary Edema II

This set of flashcards focuses on the key terminology and concepts related to pulmonary edema, including definitions and explanations of critical terms.

Lung Compliance

A measure of the lung's ability to stretch and expand. It is decreased during pulmonary edema due to the loss of surfactant.

Shunting

A condition where areas of the lung are not ventilated but continue to receive blood flow, leading to inefficient gas exchange (V/Q = 0).

Total Lung Capacity (TLC)

The maximum amount of air that can be contained in the lungs, which is reduced in pulmonary edema.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, loss of which contributes to pulmonary edema.

Work of Breathing

The effort required to inhale and exhale, which is increased in pulmonary edema due to decreased lung compliance.

Restrictive Lung Disease

A category of lung disease characterized by a decrease in lung compliance, making it difficult to fully inflate the lungs.

FVC (Forced Vital Capacity)

The total amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after taking the deepest breath possible, decreased in pulmonary edema.

FEV1/FVC Ratio

A measure used to diagnose lung disease; in restrictive disorders like pulmonary edema, this ratio remains high, typically >80%.

Preload Reducers

Medications, like nitroglycerin, used in treating pulmonary edema to reduce the volume of blood returning to the heart and thereby decrease capillary hydrostatic pressure.

Diuretics

Medications, such as furosemide, that help reduce fluid overload in the body by increasing urine production.