What is true about Oedema?

P.CHO-2019

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: P.CHO-2019

Explanation

Oedema is defined as the abnormal and excessive accumulation of fluid in the interstitial tissue spaces, which is a form of fluid retention.
This accumulation of fluid leads to swelling and puffiness in the affected tissues.
Oedema is a clinical sign of an underlying disease process. It is often reversible when the primary cause is identified and treated effectively.
Since the first three options are all correct descriptions of oedema, the most complete and accurate answer is 'All of these'.

Option A: This statement is correct but incomplete. While oedema is fluid retention, this option alone does not capture the other key aspects like tissue swelling and its potential for reversal.
Option B: This statement is a correct sign of oedema but is not a complete definition. It describes the result of fluid retention but not the underlying process or its nature.
Option C: This statement is generally true but is also an incomplete description. It describes a characteristic of the condition's prognosis with treatment but doesn't define what oedema is.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The concept tested is the understanding of the definition and key characteristics of oedema (edema) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing for oedema is a fundamental nursing skill, crucial for monitoring fluid balance and the status of conditions like heart failure, renal failure, and liver disease.
Accurate grading of pitting oedema helps in quantifying the severity of fluid overload and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments like diuretics.
What if? If a patient with oedema suddenly develops shortness of breath, the nurse must immediately assess for pulmonary oedema, a life-threatening condition where fluid fills the lungs. This requires urgent intervention.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the question carefully. It asks for a 'true' statement about Oedema.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of pathophysiology.
Option A, 'Fluid retention in body,' is the fundamental cause of oedema. This is a true statement.
Option B, 'Affected tissues become swollen,' is the primary clinical sign of oedema. This is also a true statement.
Option C, 'It is reversible,' is true for most cases, as oedema is a symptom that can be resolved by treating the underlying cause. This is also a true statement.
When you find that multiple options are factually correct, look for a comprehensive option like 'All of these' or 'All of the above'. Since options A, B, and C are all true characteristics of oedema, 'All of these' is the best and most complete answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The concept tested is the understanding of the definition and key characteristics of oedema (edema).
Stem keywords: Oedema, true
Lead-in keywords: What is
Negative lead-in flag: false

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