Which patients would the nurse identify as being at risk for developing cor pulmonale? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply

Question

1. Patient with left ventricular heart failure
2. Patient experiencing a massive pulmonary embolism
3. Patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
4. Patient with sickle cell anemia
5. Patient with deep vein thrombosis

Answer 1

2,3,4
Rationale 1: Right ventricular disease caused by a primary abnormality of the left ventricle is not considered cor pulmonale.
Rationale 2: Cor pulmonale is an alteration in the structure and function of the right ventricle caused by a primary disorder of the respiratory system or a blood disorder. Primary disorders of the respiratory system include pulmonary embolism, interstitial lung disease, COPD, and primary pulmonary hypertension.
Rationale 3: Primary disorders of the respiratory system include pulmonary embolism, interstitial lung disease, COPD, and primary pulmonary hypertension.
Rationale 4: Blood disorders leading to cor pulmonale include polycythemia vera, sickle cell disease, and macro hemoglobinemia.
Rationale 5: Although DVTs may lead to PEs and eventually right-sided heart failure, there is no direct correlation.