How would the nurse document this edema?
While assessing a patient's lower extremities, the nurse notes edema around the feet and ankles. When the area is depressed, it lasts for more than 1 minute before the shape returns.
B is the correct answer because in the case of 3+ pitting edema the depressions last for around a minute. It is a very grave case of edema and the recommended medicines should be prescribed as fast as possible due to the inherent risk such a case carries.
3+ pitting edema-3+ pitting edema is noticeably deep pitting, full and edematous extremity, with depression lasting more than 1 minute
4+ pitting edema is very deep pitting, very edematous and distorted extremity, with depression lasting as long as 2 to 5 minutes.
2+ pitting edema is somewhat pitting edema, no marked change in shape of the extremity, and depression disappears in 10-15 seconds.
incorrect (4): 1+ pitting edema is slight pitting, no visible change in the shape of the extremity and depression disappears rapidly.
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