Edema is defined as?

Edema is defined as?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Abnormal swelling
• C. Elevated blood pressure
• D. Rapid heart rate

Answer: (B)

Edema is abnormal swelling due to excess fluid collecting in the body's tissues. You can feel or see it as puffiness in areas like the ankles, feet, hands, or abdomen, and sometimes pressing on the swollen area leaves a dent (known as pitting edema). This swelling comes from fluid buildup, not from a single vital sign. Shortness of breath can occur if the fluid collects in the lungs, but that’s a symptom linked to edema, not its definition. Elevated blood pressure and a rapid heart rate are different signs related to cardiovascular status and are not the definition of edema.

Edema is abnormal swelling due to excess fluid collecting in the body's tissues. You can feel or see it as puffiness in areas like the ankles, feet, hands, or abdomen, and sometimes pressing on the swollen area leaves a dent (known as pitting edema). This swelling comes from fluid buildup, not from a single vital sign. Shortness of breath can occur if the fluid collects in the lungs, but that’s a symptom linked to edema, not its definition. Elevated blood pressure and a rapid heart rate are different signs related to cardiovascular status and are not the definition of edema.