Which sign is commonly associated with acute pulmonary edema?

Acute pulmonary edema is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which can lead to a variety of clinical signs and symptoms. Cold, clammy skin is commonly associated with this condition because it often occurs in the setting of heart failure, which is a frequent underlying cause of pulmonary edema. When the heart is unable to pump effectively, blood can back up into the lungs, leading to fluid leakage and, consequently, pulmonary edema. The body's response to this situation may include hypoperfusion, which manifests as cold, clammy skin due to reduced blood flow to peripheral areas.

In contrast, fever is typically associated with infections rather than pulmonary edema. A dry cough may occur in various respiratory conditions but does not specifically indicate pulmonary edema, where a productive cough with frothy sputum is more common. Extreme fatigue can be a symptom experienced in various conditions, including heart failure, but it is not as directly indicative of acute pulmonary edema as cold, clammy skin. Thus, the specific hallmark of cold, clammy skin reflects the critical nature of acute pulmonary edema and its effects on the body’s circulation and oxygenation status.