What it means
It shows up as swelling (edemaih-DEE-muhSwelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.Full entry ) of the feet, ankles, hands or face, tight rings and shoes, and weight gain over days. Heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, a salty diet, pregnancy and some drugs (steroids, NSAIDs) can all cause it.
For the nurse
Weigh the client every day at the same time, on the same scale, in the same clothes, and track intake and output. Teach clients with heart failure to call their provider if they gain 2 to 3 pounds (about 1 kg) in a day or 5 pounds (about 2 kg) in a week.
At a glance
| Everyday words | water retention |
|---|---|
| Spanish | retención de líquidos |
| Also written | water retention |
Related terms
edema
Swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.
diuretic
A drug that makes the kidneys pass more water and salt out of the body as urine.
heart failure
A long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
intake and output
The measured record of all fluids a client takes in and all fluids that leave the body over a set time.