Question

How is edema assessed? (What types of assessment)

Answer 1

Edema Assessment

         * Edema is a swelling caused by accumulation of fluids in the tissues and it is mainly due to

            impairment in venous return and direct tissue trauma.

        * Assessment of edema through

                                      * Inspection.

                                      * Palpation.

       * Inspection

                      * During inspection check the location,colour and shape of edema.

                       * Inspection of edemadema in certain areas may be a sign of systemic diseases (Lower

                          limb edema occurs in patients with renal problems.)

                       * Edema separate skin surface from near vascular layers so masking the skin colour

                          during inspection.

    * Palpation

                       * Palpation technique used to identify the mobility,consistency and tenderness of edema.

                       * Pitting edema can assess using palpation by pressing finger on the edematous skin.

                         ( pitting edema present in patient with thrombophlebitis).

                       * Depth of pitting used to measure the degree of edema.(eg; +1 edema equals to 2mm

                          depth)