Acute pulmonary edema in pregnancy.

Pulmonary edema is a secondary disease process characterized by an excess accumulation of fluid in the pulmonary interstitial and alveolar spaces, preventing adequate diffusion of both oxygen and carbon dioxide. The excess fluid accumulation interferes with maternal oxygenation and, if not identified and corrected, can lead to maternal and fetal hypoxemia. The purpose of this article is to review principles of oxygen transport and the pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and nursing implications of acute pulmonary edema in pregnancy.