The respiratory therapist is asked to recommend a medication to ...

[Collmarie]

The respiratory therapist is asked to recommend a medication to reduce afterload for a patient with cardiogenic pulmonary edema. The therapist could recommend all of the following EXCEPT:
 
  a. captopril.
  b. norepinephrine (Levophed).
  c. enalapril (Vasotec).
  d. nitroprusside (Nitropress).

Question 2

All of the following may be causes of cardiogenic pulmonary edema EXCEPT:
 
  a. dysrhythmias.
  b. systemic hypertension.
  c. congenital heart defects.
  d. excessive fluid administration.
  e. pulmonary embolism.

[softEldritch]

Answer to Question 1

B
Afterload reducers include the following:
 captoprilprevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. It is a potent vasodilator. Afterload and cardiac output usually improve in 10 to 15 minutes.
 enalapril (Vasotec)is a competitive ACE inhibitor and reduces angiotensin II levels.
 nitroprusside (Nitropress)is a potent, direct smooth muscle-relaxing agent that primarily reduces afterload.
Norepinephrine (Levophed) may be used in the management of cardiogenic pulmonary edema; however, it is a positive inotropic agent, not an afterload reducer.

Answer to Question 2

E
Pulmonary embolism may cause noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. All of the other listed options may cause cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

[Collmarie]

Excellent

[nyrave]

TYSM