A floor nurse is receiving report on a patient being transferred from the intensive care unit (ICU). The ICU nurse reports that the patient's pulmonary artery wedge pressures are high. The floor nurse should expect to note

Explanation

• An increase in pulmonary artery wedge pressure indicates an increase in fluid and pressure in the pulmonary circulation, leading to pulmonary edema and crackles. This is indicative of left-sided heart failure.

• Hypervolemia is another cause for high wedge pressures and hypertension would be expected if this were the cause.

• Incorrect: Polyuria is unlikely because heart failure results in a decrease in perfusion and low urine output.

• Incorrect: Acidosis is more likely with heart failure.

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