When pressure is applied to a swollen area, the indentation persists after the release of the pressure, is called as?

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO - 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The question describes the classic clinical sign of pitting oedema.
Pitting oedema is defined as the persistence of an indentation in a swollen area after pressure has been released.
This phenomenon occurs because the pressure displaces the excess free fluid in the interstitial space.
The fluid slowly seeps back into the area, which is why the pit remains visible for a period.

Option A: Refractory oedema describes swelling that is resistant to treatment (like diuretics), not its physical appearance or response to pressure.
Option B: Weeping oedema involves fluid leaking through the skin, which is a different sign than indentation from pressure. It represents a more severe stage of fluid overload.
Option C: Dependent oedema refers to the location of the swelling (gravity-dependent areas like ankles or sacrum), not the physical characteristic of pitting.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Assessment of Oedema as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing for pitting oedema is a fundamental nursing skill used to evaluate a patient's fluid balance and the severity of conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, and liver failure.
The grade of pitting oedema provides an objective measure to track the progression or improvement of a patient's condition and their response to treatment (e.g., diuretics).
Nursing care for patients with oedema includes elevating the affected limbs, monitoring daily weights (1 kg weight gain can equal 1 L of retained fluid), implementing sodium restrictions, and providing meticulous skin care to prevent breakdown.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the question carefully to identify the key clinical sign being described: 'indentation persists after the release of the pressure'.
Recognize that this is a definition-based question asking for the correct medical term for a specific physical finding.
Evaluate each option against the description in the stem.
Option A (Refractory) relates to treatment response, not a physical sign.
Option B (Weeping) describes fluid leaking from the skin.
Option C (Dependent) describes the location of oedema due to gravity.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 43-45

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 72-74

Practise the full AIIMS Raipur NO - 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.