Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 79%
Simulated
In which disease process should a nurse expect to see a patient with the presence of pitting edema?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Liver disease. In liver disease, there is a decrease in protein synthesis, leading to a decrease in plasma oncotic pressure. This results in fluid shifting from the intravascular space to the interstitial space, causing pitting edema. In diabetes mellitus, there may be peripheral edema due to vascular complications, but it is usually not pitting. End-stage renal disease can lead to edema, but it is typically not pitting. Colon cancer does not directly cause pitting edema.