Question

How would the nurse document mild, slight pitting edema in the ankles of a pregnant patient?

a) Grade 1
b) Grade 2
c) Grade 3
d) Grade 4

Answer 1

A nurse would document mild, slight pitting edema in the ankles of a pregnant patient as Grade 1, the mildest form of edema with minimal indentation.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a pregnant patient with mild, slight pitting edema in the ankles, a nurse would document this clinical finding as Grade 1 edema. The grading of edema ranges from Grade 1 to Grade 4, with Grade 1 being the mildest form characterized by slight indentation and no perceptible swelling of the leg. Women of childbearing age can experience pitting edema during pregnancy due to the increased fluid demands of their body.