Uncommon causes of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema

Abstract: Although acute respiratory distress syndrome is the most common cause of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, critical care nurses also should be familiar with several other less common causes, including transfusion-related acute lung injury, neurogenic pulmonary edema, preeclampsia/eclampsia, opioid overdose, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and pulmonary embolism. This article addresses the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and nursing considerations associated with each uncommon cause of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.