Hello; What are the implications of obstructive pulmonary edema of a 87 yr. old male, with unconfirmed (refused biopsy) metastatic cancer of the lung. CT and xrays indicated lesions to lung and arm. He had a fracture of his upper arm that was surgically set last week (Monday) with a pin. Recovery has been uneventful. Why do I ask? My husband, the patients son, is a paramedic and is caring for his father in a remote area (with only a stethoscope) where there is no access to medical care (although refused).
Upon examination my husband hears crackling in his lungs bilaterally and notices his breathing during sleep is quite rapid and shallow.