Oedema Flashcards
What is an Oedema?
Refers to the accumulation of excess fluid in the interstitial spaces between the cells and blood vessels, resulting in swelling in different parts of the body.
Define Hydrostatic pressure.
The force exerted by fluid (blood) against the walls of the vessel, primarily driven by blood pressure.
What primarily generates Hydrostatic pressure?
Generated by the heart.
What effect does increased hydrostatic pressure have?
It forces water and small solutes out of capillaries into the interstitial space, leading to fluid accumulation (oedema).
Define Oncotic pressure.
The pressure exerted by plasma proteins that pull water back into the capillaries from the interstitial space.
What creates Oncotic pressure?
Created by plasma proteins such as Albumin.
What happens when oncotic pressure decreases?
Less water will be retained in the capillaries, causing fluid to leak out into the interstitial space.
What occurs when there is increased hydrostatic pressure and decreased oncotic pressure?
Water and small solutes are pushed out of the capillaries into the interstitial space, leading to oedema.
What role do proteins such as albumin play in the body?
They help maintain oncotic pressure by absorbing fluids into the capillaries.
What happens if albumin leaks into the urine?
A lack of albumin means less fluids will be retained in the capillaries, causing fluid to leak out into the interstitial space.
What is the primary role of the kidneys?
To filter waste and excess fluids from the blood.
How does kidney failure lead to oedema?
Kidneys fail to filter out waste and excess fluid, increasing blood volume and hydrostatic pressure, pushing fluid into the interstitial space.
List effects of increased hydrostatic pressure.
- Hypertension
- Pulmonary oedema
What is venous return?
The process by which blood is pushed back to the heart against gravity.
Define venous stasis.
A condition where blood flow becomes slow or stagnant.
How does immobility affect venous return?
Without muscle contractions, blood pools in the lower extremities, increasing pressure and risk of blood clots.
How does gravity affect venous return?
Blood can pool in the lower extremities when standing or sitting for long periods, increasing hydrostatic pressure.
How does the lymphatic system drain interstitial fluid?
Lymphatic capillaries collect interstitial fluid, which becomes lymph and is moved through larger vessels with muscle movement.
What happens to lymph as it passes through lymph nodes?
Waste, bacteria, and excess fluid are filtered out.
How does immobility affect the lymphatic system’s ability to drain fluid?
Immobility reduces muscle movement, hindering lymph drainage.
What is the effect of increased interstitial fluid volume on blood circulation?
It raises pressure on capillaries, pushing more fluid into tissues and causing swelling.
How does swelling affect blood flow?
Swelling makes it harder for blood to flow properly, hindering oxygen and nutrient delivery.
What happens when waste products cannot be effectively removed from tissues?
Tissues can become inflamed, damaged, swollen, and deprived of oxygen, leading to severe health issues.
Why does skin need oxygen and blood?
To maintain its integrity through the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.
Fill in the blank: The role of the kidneys is to filter _______ and excess fluids from the blood.
waste
Why would we perform a neurovascular assessment
To ensure that nerve and circulatory function are not impaired
Why would the nerves and circualtory system be impaired
The excess fluid puts pressure onto both system stopping them from working
Why would we encourage movement
Muscle movement is required for the lymphatic system to drain the excess fluid
What does monitoring fluid intake/output tell us
1) Hydration status - if they are taking or losing too much fluid
2) Kidney function - Decreased urine output may tell us the kidneys are failing
3) Treatment effectiveness
What would be considered a nutritious and balanced diet
Includes a variety of foods that provide the necessary energy for the body to function effeciently
Why would we restrict sodium intake
Sodium promotes water retention which adds pressure and causes more fluid to leak out, worsening oedema
Why would we promote protein intake
Proteins help increase oncotic pressure which prevent fluid from leaking out
What is one consideration we should take with protein intake on oedema patients
If the patient has kidney disease, the added proteins could add stress to the kidneys and worsen their ability to filter waste
