Physical examination and change in body weight are used to diagnose ascites, what other measurement is used?

Choice A reason: Cushing's is not related to this type of edema. Cushing's syndrome is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It can lead to various symptoms, including weight gain, thinning skin, and high blood pressure, but it does not describe the specific characteristic of edema that leaves an indentation when pressed.

Choice B reason: Swelling is a general term that describes an increase in the size of a body part, often due to the accumulation of fluid. While edema is a type of swelling, the term "swelling" itself does not specifically refer to the characteristic of leaving an indentation upon pressure.

Choice C reason: Dependent edema occurs in areas of the body that are lower than the heart, often due to gravity. This type of edema can be seen in conditions like heart failure or prolonged immobility. However, it does not specifically refer to the characteristic of pitting, which is the ability to leave an indentation upon applying pressure.

Choice D reason: Pitting edema is the correct term for this condition. It occurs when pressure is applied to a swollen area, forcing fluid movement and leaving a visible indentation that persists for some time. Pitting edema is commonly seen in conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, and deep vein thrombosis. The extent and duration of the indentation can help assess the severity of the edema.

Choice A reason: Excessive fluid replacement can lead to hypervolemia because it increases the total volume of fluid in the body. This can overwhelm the body's regulatory mechanisms, leading to fluid overload.

Choice B reason: Dehydration is not a cause of hypervolemia. In fact, dehydration is the opposite condition, where there is a lack of fluid in the body. Dehydration leads to a decrease in fluid volume, not an increase.

Choice C reason: Liver cirrhosis can cause hypervolemia because it impairs the liver's ability to regulate fluid balance. This can result in fluid retention and buildup in the body, leading to hypervolemia.

Choice D reason: Kidney failure can cause hypervolemia because the kidneys are responsible for maintaining fluid balance by excreting excess fluid. When the kidneys fail, they cannot effectively remove excess fluid, leading to fluid overload.