A patient is exhibiting dyspnea, orthopnea, cyanosis, clammy skin, crackles, and a productive cough with pink, frothy sputum. Which health problem should the nurse suspect is occurring in this patient?
1. chronic heart failure
2. pulmonary edema
3. endocarditis
4. angina
Correct Answer: 2
Dyspnea, orthopnea, cyanosis, clammy skin, crackles, and productive cough with pink frothy sputum are signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema, which is considered a medical emergency. Not all patients with chronic heart failure have pink, frothy sputum. The presence of this symptom differentiates pulmonary edema from chronic heart failure. Endocarditis would manifest with pain and potentially fever. Angina is chest pain.
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