If a patient has edema, what should you question about their treatment?

When a patient has edema, fluid accumulation in the body tissues can occur, leading to swelling. In managing edema, a common treatment approach is to restrict fluid intake as excessive fluid can worsen the condition. Encouraging fluids is generally not advisable because it could further exacerbate the edema rather than alleviate it.

On the other hand, restricting salt intake is typically recommended because sodium can cause the body to retain more water, which can worsen edema. Increasing physical activity can help with circulation and may reduce swelling over time, while monitoring weight assists healthcare providers in tracking fluid retention and managing the patient's condition effectively. Thus, questioning the recommendation to encourage fluids is important in the context of effective treatment for edema.