Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What characterizes non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema?

1. Fluid accumulation primarily due to heart failure

2. Destruction of capillary beds and inflammation

3. Increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries

4. Fluid buildup due to infection in the lungs

The correct answer is: Destruction of capillary beds and inflammation

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema is characterized primarily by the destruction of capillary beds and inflammation in the lungs. This condition occurs when there is an increase in the permeability of the pulmonary capillaries, often due to factors such as trauma, sepsis, or inhalation of harmful substances, resulting in fluid leaking into the alveoli. This distinguishes it from cardiogenic pulmonary edema, where fluid accumulation is primarily linked to heart failure and increased pressure in the pulmonary vessels. In non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, the underlying mechanisms are related to systemic processes affecting the lungs rather than direct volume overload from the heart. Thus, recognizing that inflammation and capillary damage are pivotal in this condition helps in differentiating it from other types of pulmonary edema that have cardiac origins.