Question

You would MOST likely encounter bilateral dependent oedema in a patient with:

Select one:
a. chronic bronchitis.
b. diabetes mellitus.
c. hypotension.
d. heart failure.

Answer 1

Bilateral dependent edema is most commonly associated with heart failure due to the heart's decreased efficiency in pumping blood, leading to fluid accumulation in the lower limbs. the correct option is d. heart failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bilateral Dependent Edema and Heart Failure:

Edema is characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in body tissues. Primarily seen in the extremities, it often results from an increase in water leakage from the blood capillaries into the surrounding tissues. This increased pressure promotes fluid leakage into the interstitial spaces, causing the observable swelling.

In contrast, chronic bronchitis primarily affects the lungs, diabetes mellitus does not typically cause bilateral dependent edema (unless it has led to heart or kidney complications), and hypotension would not usually lead to edema due to the lack of sufficient blood pressure to force fluid out of the capillaries. Conditions like renal failure, liver disorders, and certain drug therapies can also contribute to the development of edema, yet when specifically referring to bilateral dependent edema, heart failure is the most likely underlying cause.