Generalized edema is called as?

Appeared in: SJH Nursing Officer - 2019

Explanation

Anasarca is the specific medical term for gross, generalized edema, which means swelling that affects the entire body.
This condition is typically a sign of severe systemic disease, such as heart failure, renal failure (like nephrotic syndrome), or liver failure (cirrhosis).
It results from widespread fluid shifting from the intravascular space into the interstitial tissues throughout the body.

Option A: Myxoedema is a specific type of non-pitting edema characterized by waxy skin changes, not generalized fluid accumulation.
Option B: Pitting oedema is a physical sign, not a diagnosis for generalized edema. It describes the indentation left after pressure is applied to a swollen area and can be present in both localized and generalized edema.
Option D: Dependent oedema is localized swelling in areas of the body that are most affected by gravity, such as the feet and ankles when standing or the sacrum when lying down.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Terminology for types of edema as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing anasarca is critical for nurses as it signals a life-threatening underlying condition like organ failure. It requires prompt assessment and intervention.
Nursing care for a patient with anasarca focuses on managing fluid balance, preventing skin breakdown on fragile, edematous tissue, and monitoring for respiratory distress from fluid overload (pulmonary edema).
Daily weight measurement is the most reliable indicator for monitoring fluid status in a patient with generalized edema.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Generalized edema'. This means swelling that affects the entire body.
Next, evaluate the options based on their definitions.
Recall that 'Myxoedema' is specific to hypothyroidism and is non-pitting.
Recognize that 'Pitting oedema' is a sign (an indentation) and not the name for the overall condition.
Understand that 'Dependent oedema' is localized to gravity-affected areas.
Conclude that 'Anasarca' is the correct medical term for severe, widespread, generalized edema.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QWBkwG8jt_3gIEAuRpPcKd

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 pp. 323-325, 322-324

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 1 p. 168-171

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