Cardiovascular: MI, Heart Failure, Arrhythmias · USMLE Step 1

A patient develops pulmonary edema in acute left-sided heart failure. Which mechanism is responsible?

  1. Decreased pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure
  2. Increased pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure
  3. Increased plasma oncotic pressure
  4. Increased pulmonary lymphatic drainage
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Increased pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure

Left-sided heart failure raises pulmonary venous pressure, increasing hydrostatic pressure and causing pulmonary edema.

Difficulty: Medium Question 20 of 20

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