
To explain: The movement of water between the body compartments that results in edema.
Concept introduction: The abnormal accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the body is known as edema. Edema usually occurs in the lungs, legs, and other skin dependent areas. The edema is caused mainly due to the osmolarity shift between the compartments. It leads to enlargement or swelling of tissues due to fluid accumulation.

Explanation of Solution
The adult body is made up of 60% of water and is present in the fluid compartments. The body fluids are distributed between the following compartments:
- Intracellular compartments (ICF)
- Extracellular compartments (ECF). ECF is again subdivided into:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
- Interstitial fluid (ISF)
- Intravascular fluid (IVF)
In order to maintain the homeostasis of water, there always exists an equilibrium between water that is consumed and water that is excreted from the body. The concentration of water in the body is maintained within the threshold level by the following methods:
- Thirst mechanism initiated by the hypothalamus and osmoreceptor cells
- Antidiuretic hormone regulates the elimination of water through the urine
- Aldosterone regulates the reabsorption of water in the kidneys
- Natriuretic peptide hormones eliminate water and sodium through urine to avoid the occurrence of hypertension induced by high salt concentration in the blood plasma
Edema occurs if any of these mechanisms fail and the equilibrium to maintain the water concentration in the body is lost. Edema mostly occurs due to the fluid accumulation (mostly water) in the interstitial compartment of the ECF space.
The following are the ways in which the movement of water is restricted that results in edema:
- 1. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure.
The mechanical force where the water pushes against the cell membrane is known as hydrostatic pressure. In the blood capillaries, hydrostatic pressure increases. The common causes of increased pressure include obstruction of the venous vessels, retention of salt and water in the cells, and heart failure. Due to water accumulation, the movement of fluid in the tissues increases and this in turn causes edema.
Capillary hydrostatic pressure governs the movement of water outward from the capillary into the interstitial space. When the capillary hydrostatic pressure increases, the movement (return) of fluid from the interstitial compartment to the venous terminal of the capillary is inhibited. Thus, water accumulates in the interstitial compartment and leads to pulmonary edema. In pulmonary edema, water accumulates in the alveoli leading to respiratory distress.
- 2. Loss of plasma proteins
The circulatory system is the transport medium for several molecules particularly the hormones. Several hormones are involved in water homeostasis. Plasma proteins are required to be in their optimal concentration in order to maintain the blood vessels and facilitate nutrients, molecules, and fluid exchange between the capillaries and cells. When protein levels of the plasma drops, sodium is retained in the capillaries. If sodium is retained in the capillaries, water enters the capillaries by osmotic pressure. Thus, accumulation of water in the interstitial space occurs.
- 3. Obstruction to lymphatic circulation
If the lymphatic system is affected due to an infection or a tumor, the movement of fluid in the lymphatic system is obstructed and leads to fluid accumulation. This causes localized edema.
- 4. Increased capillary permeability
Increased capillary permeability causes localized edema. Due to an immune response for an infection, chemical immune mediators are released. They increase the permeability of capillaries. When the permeability of capillaries increases, the fluid accumulates in the interstitial space that leads to local edema.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 2 Solutions
Gould's Pathophysiology for the Health Professions, 6e
- Help me solve this problem using dimensional analysis. The doctor writes an order to infuse a solution. The order reads : “Infuse 500 mL bag at 20 gtt/min.” The drip factor is 10gtt/mL. You start the IV infusion at 0500. At what time will the infusion be complete? Please be detailed. I typically write the order, the time I started at and what I need to find which is my time completed.arrow_forwardSchizophrenia Instructions: Instrument/ Tool criteria: For each assessment you are tasked with selecting, you will identify an instrument and: List what DSM diagnosis the tool/instrument is used for. Identify an assessment/diagnosis instrument. Appraise a scholarly, peer-reviewed article that addresses the use of the instrument to support your choice as an evidence-based instrument for practice. Evaluate the instrument’s appropriateness for diagnosing the condition it is designed to assess or if the developers of the instrument reported that the instrument is only part of a comprehensive assessment for the disorder. Describe whether or not the instrument can be used to measure patient response to therapy/treatment or if it is strictly for assessment and diagnosis. Discuss the psychometrics/scoring of the instrument, including reliability and validity. Discuss any limitations associated with the use of the instrument.arrow_forwardreflective essay using driscoll modelarrow_forward
- What is the goal of ventilation? What are some clinical signs and symptoms of altered oxygenation? Please cite in text reference and list source.arrow_forwarddifferentiate between a substance abuse nurse and a mental health clinical nursearrow_forwarddifferentiate between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a psychiatric mental clinical nursearrow_forward
- Need more info please, I would also mention food insecurity and farm to table foods A nutritionist needs to know the importance of Legislative Day because it gives them a chance to speak directly with lawmakers about real-life issues that affect how people eat and stay healthy. On Legislative Day, nutritionists can share their hands-on experience and scientific know-how about things like healthy eating habits, food access, and school nutrition programs. This helps make sure that the rules and policies made by the government are based on real evidence and actually help the community. When nutritionists show up, they can influence decisions on things like food labeling, school lunch standards, and programs that help people get nutritious foods. Knowing why Legislative Day matters means nutritionists can be better advocates for public health policies that make a difference in people's lives.arrow_forwardWhy does a nutritionist need to know the importance of Legislative Day as a Nutritionistarrow_forwardWhy does a nutritionist need to know the essential vitamins (A, C, D) and minerals (calcium, iron, zinc) for Seniorsarrow_forward
- Why does a nutritionist need to know the importance of Picking and Cooking Lean Meat as a Diabeticarrow_forwardWhy does a nutritionist need to know the importance of Low Fat Dairy Products as a Diabeticarrow_forwarddemonstrate knowledge of the anatomy and philosophy of the abdominal cavityarrow_forward
- Phlebotomy EssentialsNursingISBN:9781451194524Author:Ruth McCall, Cathee M. Tankersley MT(ASCP)Publisher:JONES+BARTLETT PUBLISHERS, INC.Gould's Pathophysiology for the Health Profession...NursingISBN:9780323414425Author:Robert J Hubert BSPublisher:SaundersFundamentals Of NursingNursingISBN:9781496362179Author:Taylor, Carol (carol R.), LYNN, Pamela (pamela Barbara), Bartlett, Jennifer L.Publisher:Wolters Kluwer,
- Fundamentals of Nursing, 9eNursingISBN:9780323327404Author:Patricia A. Potter RN MSN PhD FAAN, Anne Griffin Perry RN EdD FAAN, Patricia Stockert RN BSN MS PhD, Amy Hall RN BSN MS PhD CNEPublisher:Elsevier ScienceStudy Guide for Gould's Pathophysiology for the H...NursingISBN:9780323414142Author:Hubert BS, Robert J; VanMeter PhD, Karin C.Publisher:SaundersIssues and Ethics in the Helping Professions (Min...NursingISBN:9781337406291Author:Gerald Corey, Marianne Schneider Corey, Cindy CoreyPublisher:Cengage Learning





