Physiological AdaptationQuestion 1373 of 2368

A client with preeclampsia reports new shortness of breath and pink frothy sputum. Which complication does the nurse suspect?

  1. Deep vein thrombosis
  2. Uterine rupture
  3. Pulmonary edema
  4. Placenta previa
Show answer

Correct answer: Pulmonary edema

New dyspnea, orthopnea, or pink frothy sputum signals pulmonary edema from fluid retention.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), High-risk Perinatal Client Care: Recognizing Cues of Preeclampsia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026