What are the nursing management of edema?
Mild edema usually goes away on its own, particularly if you help things along by raising the affected limb higher than your heart. More-severe edema may be treated with drugs that help your body expel excess fluid in the form of urine (diuretics). One of the most common diuretics is furosemide (Lasix).
How do you control lower extremity edema?
How’s it treated?
- Elevate your legs (or arms) above the level of your heart a few times a day.
- Exercise.
- If you have to sit or stand a lot, take breaks to move around.
- Wear compression stockings on the affected legs if your doctor recommends this.
- Reduce your intake of salt.
How do you care for someone with edema?
Home treatment
- Get plenty of movement to increase circulation in your body.
- Frequently raise the affected area of your body, so that it is above the level of your heart.
- Massage the area affected by edema.
- Use bandages or compression socks to keep pressure on the edema.
- Consume less salt.
Which therapy is most effective treatment for managing edema?
Treatment of edema consists of reversing the underlying disorder (if possible), restricting dietary sodium to minimize fluid retention, and, usually, employing diuretic therapy.
How do you treat swelling?
Applying cold immediately after an injury helps reduce swelling by restricting blood flow to the area and slowing down cellular metabolism. You can use ice packs, cold therapy systems, ice baths, or cryotherapy chambers to deliver cold to the affected area.
What is lower extremity edema?
Lower extremity edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lower legs, which may or may not include the feet (pedal edema). It is typically caused by one of three mechanisms. The first is venous edema caused by increased capillary permeability, resulting in a fluid shift from the veins to the interstitial space.
What can cause lower extremity edema?
Several diseases and conditions may cause edema, including:
- Congestive heart failure.
- Cirrhosis.
- Kidney disease.
- Kidney damage.
- Weakness or damage to veins in your legs.
- Inadequate lymphatic system.
- Severe, long-term protein deficiency.
What causes edema to lower extremities?
Edema can occur as a result of gravity, especially from sitting or standing in one place for too long. Water naturally gets pulled down into your legs and feet. Edema can happen from a weakening in the valves of the veins in the legs (a condition called venous insufficiency).
What is the most common cause of lower extremity edema?
This swelling (edema) is the result of excess fluid in your tissues — often caused by congestive heart failure or blockage in a leg vein. Signs of edema include: Swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin, especially in your legs or arms. Stretched or shiny skin.
How does icing reduce swelling?
Icing is effective at reducing pain and swelling because the cold constricts blood vessels and decreases circulation to the area. For example, if an athlete rolls an ankle in a volleyball match an immediate application of ice will cut down on long-term swelling and potentially lessen recovery time.
How do you reduce swelling in the feet?
Here are 10 to try.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.
- Buy compression socks.
- Soak in a cool Epsom salt bath for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Elevate your feet, preferably above your heart.
- Get moving!
- Magnesium supplements can be helpful for some people.
- Make some dietary changes.
- Lose weight if you’re overweight.
How do you treat edema in the lower extremities?
Prior to treating lower extremity edema, a thorough history and physical must be performed to address the underlying pathology. Once systemic pathology has been managed or ruled out, peripheral edema is most often treated with graduated compression therapy [12–14].
When are diuretics indicated in the treatment of lower extremity edema?
If diuretics are administered as a treatment for lower extremity edema, they are most appropriate for short-term use to aid in initial excretion of excess fluid.
Can a doctor prescribe compression stockings for lower extremity edema?
Only prescribe compression stockings if the patient has an ankle-brachial index ≥0.80. Lower extremity edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lower legs, which may or may not include the feet (pedal edema). It is typically caused by one of three mechanisms.
Is chronic lower extremity edema detrimental to health and quality of life?
Regardless of the mechanism, chronic lower extremity edema is detrimental to health and quality of life.