Elevation of the legs reduces edema primarily by which mechanism?

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Study for the Mosby's Canadian Practical Nurse Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Elevation of the legs reduces edema primarily by which mechanism?

Explanation:
Elevating the legs uses gravity to push blood back toward the heart, increasing venous return. As venous pressure in the legs falls, the hydrostatic pressure inside leg capillaries decreases, so less fluid leaks into the interstitial space and more fluid is reabsorbed into the capillaries. This reduces interstitial fluid buildup and thus edema. It doesn’t raise arterial pressure, it doesn’t directly improve lymphatic drainage, and it doesn’t increase capillary permeability—those would not reduce edema.

Elevating the legs uses gravity to push blood back toward the heart, increasing venous return. As venous pressure in the legs falls, the hydrostatic pressure inside leg capillaries decreases, so less fluid leaks into the interstitial space and more fluid is reabsorbed into the capillaries. This reduces interstitial fluid buildup and thus edema. It doesn’t raise arterial pressure, it doesn’t directly improve lymphatic drainage, and it doesn’t increase capillary permeability—those would not reduce edema.

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