Which term describes the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lungs?

The term that describes the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lungs is congestive heart failure. In this condition, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, which can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. When blood flow is impeded, pressure builds up in the veins, and fluid can leak out into lung tissue, resulting in pulmonary edema—an important factor associated with congestive heart failure.

Understanding the context of the other choices helps clarify why they are not appropriate descriptors for this condition. Pneumonia refers to an infection of the lung tissue that can lead to inflammation and fluid accumulation, but it is driven by infection rather than heart function. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by narrowed airways and is due to an inflammatory response, which does not primarily involve fluid buildup in the lungs. Edema is a broader term that refers to an excess of watery fluid in the body tissues, but when specifically talking about the lungs, the term pulmonary edema is more accurate in the context of congestive heart failure.