Edema is defined as

Edema is defined as

• A. Abnormal accumulation of water in the tissue
• B. A normal hydration state
• C. Dehydration of tissues
• D. Increased lymph drainage

Answer: (C)

Edema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissue spaces. This swelling happens when forces that move fluid out of capillaries into the surrounding tissue outweigh the systems that remove it, such as the lymphatic drainage, or when plasma proteins are reduced and fluid leaks into tissues. Dehydration means a lack of body water, not excess fluid in the tissues. A normal hydration state describes no excess fluid buildup, and increased lymph drainage would aid in removing excess fluid rather than causing edema. So the correct description is the abnormal buildup of fluid in the tissue.

Edema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissue spaces. This swelling happens when forces that move fluid out of capillaries into the surrounding tissue outweigh the systems that remove it, such as the lymphatic drainage, or when plasma proteins are reduced and fluid leaks into tissues. Dehydration means a lack of body water, not excess fluid in the tissues. A normal hydration state describes no excess fluid buildup, and increased lymph drainage would aid in removing excess fluid rather than causing edema. So the correct description is the abnormal buildup of fluid in the tissue.