Swelling in the extremities due to fluid buildup is known as?

• A. Peripheral Edema
• B. Pulmonary Edema
• C. Cardiogenic Shock
• D. Nitroglycerin

Answer: (A)

Peripheral edema is swelling in the extremities due to fluid buildup in the interstitial spaces. This occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the tissues of the legs, ankles, or feet, often from factors like increased venous pressure, impaired venous return, or systemic conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease. The fluid pool is typically detectable as dependent swelling and may be pitting if pressed.

Pulmonary edema is fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties, not limb swelling. Cardiogenic shock involves critically reduced blood flow from the heart failing to pump effectively, a severe circulation problem rather than a localized fluid buildup in the extremities. Nitroglycerin is a medication used to relieve chest pain by vasodilation, not a term for a fluid accumulation condition.