Define peripheral edema.

• A. Blood in the urine
• B. Rapid breathing
• C. Swelling of the limbs due to fluid buildup
• D. Pain relief

Answer: (C)

Peripheral edema is swelling of the limbs due to fluid accumulating in the tissues, usually in the ankles, feet, or hands. This happens when fluid leaks from capillaries into the surrounding tissue because of factors like higher capillary pressure, lower blood protein levels, or impaired lymphatic drainage, often linked to conditions such as heart failure, kidney or liver disease, or venous problems. The swelling may be described as swelling of the limbs due to fluid buildup, which is why this option matches the definition. Blood in the urine is a sign of bleeding in the urinary tract, rapid breathing points to a respiratory issue, and pain relief describes something unrelated to fluid accumulation.