Question

The nurse is caring for a patient with edema in the legs. The nurse understands the edema is a result of which of the following?

1- increased capillary oncotic pressure from the loss of plasma protein
2- Hyponatremia causing water to move from the intercellular space to the vascular space
3- increased hydrostatic pressure forcing fluid out of the vessel and into the tissue
4- obstruction of the lymphatic system causing increased fluid in the veins

Answer 1

The nurse is caring for a patient with edema in the legs. The nurse understands the edema is a result of

Answer - 1- increased capillary oncotic pressure from the loss of plasma protein (Excess protein loss increases oncotic pressure which increases infiltration, its causes edema)

This type of edema occurs in kwashiorkor, Proteinuria, Sever malnutrition, etc. Mainly due to the lack of protein in the body.

These 2 below options also can cause edema but in this question option, no 1 is the correct answer.

3- increased hydrostatic pressure forcing fluid out of the vessel and into the tissue (Increase Hydrostatic pressure in capillaries can also expel fluid out of the capillary and cause edema)

4- obstruction of the lymphatic system causing increased fluid in the veins (obstruction of the lymphatic system can cause lymphedema)