Patient was educated on the types of edema as follows: Edema is the swelling secondary to leakage of fluid from the circulation and accumulation in body tissues. Though edema typically involves the dependent body parts with accumulation of fluid in both the lower extremities, due to gravity, involvement of other body parts also can occur, based on the disease process. Clinically, there are two different types of edema Pitting Edema – This edema is mainly [...]

Patient was educated on the role of the lymphatic system in the development of edema as follows: Lymphatic system usually helps with draining the fluid and proteins along with other nutrients that have leaked from the circulation, back into the circulation. When there is damage to the lymphatic system, such as, in radical mastectomy or cancer treatment with radiation or chemotherapy, the drainage of this fluid back into the circulation is affected. Consequently, fluid along [...]

Patient was educated on the albumin levels and edema as follows: Albumin is a kind of protein we consume in our diet. It is also partly synthesized by the human liver as well. Albumin is needed to maintain fluid in circulation. Low albumin in the blood results in leaking of fluid out of capillaries and result in accumulation of fluid in between the tissues, leading to edema. Low albumin in the blood can result from [...]

Patient was educated that excess of fluid in the circulation can cause edema as follows: Excess fluid in the circulation can result in high pressure in the tiny blood vessels, which are called capillaries. This excess pressure within the capillaries can result in fluid leaking from the capillaries into spaces between the tissues. Salt has the potential to retain water in the circulation. So, excess sodium in the blood can result in retaining excess water [...]

Patient was educated on the causes of edema as follows: Edema occurs when fluid leaks out of tiny blood vessels or capillaries in your body. Edema can happen due to-damage to veins in the extremities Chronic damage to the veins in the extremities, result in accumulation of fluid in the veins and leaking of fluid from the veins into the surrounding tissues of bilateral lower extremities, thus resulting in edema. Edema can also happen due [...]