Odema Flashcards
What is Odema?
Abnormal accumulation of interstitial fluid in the tissue due to hydrostatic and oncotic pressure imbalance within the capillaries.
Usually within the lower extremities and sacrum due to gravity.
What can oedema be spit into within the legs?
What do these two different types suggest ?
Unilateral (one leg)- Indicative of a pathological process in the limb itself. EG DVT or compartment syndrome.
Bilateral - Systemic causes, eg heart, liver, and kidney failure.
What is Anasarca?
When the WHOLE body develops generalised oedema.
Can be due to malnutrition, Cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome or burns.
What other heart failure medicine should you be weary of when prescribing loop diuretic?
Digoxin.
The risk of digoxin toxicity may be increased because of diuretic-associated hypokalaemia.
What is the difference between hydrostatic pressure and oncotic pressure?
Whereas hydrostatic pressure forces fluid out of the capillary, oncotic pressure draws fluid back in.
What is hydrostatic pressure
hydrostatic pressure forces fluid out of the capillary
What is oncotic pressure ?
oncotic pressure draws fluid back into the capiilaries
