Question

you're caring for thomas, a 77 year old. he has edema, or swelling, in his legs and has fluid restriction in terms of intake. you have been assigned to weigh him daily. based on these symptoms and the care he is being given, what disorder is he most likely affected with?

Answer 1

Thomas's edema and fluid restrictions suggest a medical condition affecting his fluid balance, likely involving the heart, kidneys, veins, or liver. Monitoring his weight helps manage the edema, and the underlying cause needs to be treated.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thomas, a 77-year-old with edema in his legs and a fluid restriction, is likely suffering from a condition related to poor fluid balance. The presence of systemic edema, especially in the lower extremities, is indicative of increased fluid retention in the interstitial spaces and cells of the body. The daily weighing is an important part of monitoring the severity of the edema and the effectiveness of the fluid management treatment.

Considering Thomas's age and symptoms, his edema could be due to a variety of underlying conditions such as congestive heart failure, kidney damage, venous insufficiency, or liver disorders. It is essential that the underlying cause be diagnosed correctly for proper treatment. Diuretics or adjustments in medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, estrogen therapies, and diabetes medications could be part of his management plan if they are contributing to his condition.