A nurse is assessing a client's pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). The nurse should recognize that an elevated PAWP indicates which of the following complications?

A. Cardiogenic shock can cause elevated PAWP, but the primary underlying issue in that condition is left ventricular failure, which leads to poor cardiac output. B. Hypotension generally correlates with low preload and decreased PAWP, not an increase. C. Hypovolemia results in low PAWP due to decreased circulating volume and venous return. D. An elevated PAWP (normal: 4–12 mm Hg) indicates increased left atrial pressure, which is commonly seen in left ventricular failure. This occurs when the left ventricle cannot pump blood effectively, causing blood to back up into the lungs and increasing pulmonary venous pressure.