What it means
A type of edemaih-DEE-muhSwelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.Full entry in which extra fluid in the tissues can be pushed aside by pressure. It is checked by pressing over a bony area, such as the shin, ankle or top of the foot, for a few seconds. Many places grade it from 1+ (a slight dent that disappears quickly) to 4+ (a deep dent that lasts a long time), though scales differ. It is common in the legs with heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease and vein problems.
For the nurse
Press for about 5 seconds, note how deep the dent is and how long it lasts, and compare both sides. Record the grade the same way each time. Elevate the legs and check daily weight.
In a chart
"2+ pitting edema to bilateral lower legs, unchanged from yesterday."
At a glance
| Spanish | edema con fóvea |
|---|---|
| Also written | pitting oedema |
Related terms
edema
Swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.
heart failure
A long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
tibia
The large inner bone of the lower leg, between the knee and the ankle; the shinbone.
fluid volume
The amount of fluid in the body, or in one of its spaces such as the blood vessels.