The nurse documents the client's swollen lower extremities and measures the depth of a 4-mm indentation made 1 minute ago. Which is the best description for the nurse to use to describe the client's lower extremities?
1. 4+ pitting edema
2. Mild pitting edema
3. 4+ nonpitting edema
4. Severe nonpitting edema
1
1. The best description of any clinical indicator is the most precise one; for this client, 4+ pitting edema is the best description of a lasting indentation of swollen legs at a depth of 4 mm.
2. Mild is a subjective term open to interpretation.
3. 4+ is precise but the edema is pitting because the indentation lingers for at least a minute.
4. Severe is a subjective term and the edema is pitting.
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