Final answer:
As a CMA, look for swelling in the extremities, pitting edema, sudden weight gain, a distended abdomen, and difficulty breathing as signs of fluid retention in a patient. Pitting edema occurs when a pressed finger indentation remains for a few seconds.
Step-by-step explanation:
To report signs of fluid retention in a patient, as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), you should look for symptoms such as swelling in the feet, ankles, or other parts of the body, which could indicate systemic edema. Additionally, a condition known as pitting edema is characterized by persistent indentations in the skin after applying pressure. Other signs to watch for may include increased body weight, distended abdomen, difficulty breathing, and fatigue.
These clinical signs suggest that the body is retaining more fluid than it is excreting, which can be the result of several medical conditions or the use of certain medications. The skeletal muscle pump plays a role in fluid retention, especially in individuals who are sedentary or stand for long periods, as it helps return blood from the extremities to the heart.