Swelling caused by excess fluids in body tissue.

Swelling caused by excess fluids in body tissue.

• A. Emesis
• B. Edema
• C. Constipation
• D. Geriatrics

Answer: (B)

Edema is swelling caused by excess fluids collecting in the tissues. It happens when fluid leaks from blood vessels into the interstitial spaces, leading to puffiness commonly seen in the feet, ankles, or hands, and sometimes more diffuse swelling. In clinical care, you might notice a skin indentation that stays after pressing (pitting edema) or see swelling that worsens with gravity or activity. Understanding edema helps you monitor for changes, assess potential causes like heart, kidney, or liver issues, and know when to report to the nurse. The other terms describe different things—emesis is vomiting, constipation is difficult or infrequent bowel movements, and geriatrics refers to older adults or aging—not a condition involving tissue fluid buildup.

Edema is swelling caused by excess fluids collecting in the tissues. It happens when fluid leaks from blood vessels into the interstitial spaces, leading to puffiness commonly seen in the feet, ankles, or hands, and sometimes more diffuse swelling. In clinical care, you might notice a skin indentation that stays after pressing (pitting edema) or see swelling that worsens with gravity or activity. Understanding edema helps you monitor for changes, assess potential causes like heart, kidney, or liver issues, and know when to report to the nurse. The other terms describe different things—emesis is vomiting, constipation is difficult or infrequent bowel movements, and geriatrics refers to older adults or aging—not a condition involving tissue fluid buildup.