Which of the following is a clinical sign of pulmonary edema?

• A. Pink frothy sputum
• B. Jaundice
• C. Polyuria
• D. Petechiae

Answer: (A)

Pulmonary edema produces fluid buildup in the alveoli, and a hallmark sign is pink, frothy sputum that results when fluid leaks into the airways and mixes with mucus and blood. This foamy, pink sputum reflects alveolar flooding and impaired gas exchange, often along with dyspnea and crackles. The other options don’t fit pulmonary edema: jaundice points to liver or biliary issues, polyuria to diabetes or diuretic effects, and petechiae to bleeding or coagulation problems—none describe fluid in the lungs producing that distinctive pink froth.