To reduce edema in late pregnancy, which nursing action is most appropriate?

To reduce edema in late pregnancy, which nursing action is most appropriate?

• A. Fluid restriction
• B. Keeping her legs uncrossed
• C. Elevating her legs
• D. Range-of-motion exercises

Answer: (C)

Edema in late pregnancy mainly happens because the enlarging uterus increases pressure on pelvic veins, slowing return of blood from the legs and causing fluid to pool in dependent areas. Elevating the legs directly boosts venous return by using gravity to move fluid back toward the heart, which lowers hydrostatic pressure in the leg vessels and reduces swelling. This simple positionChange is a straightforward, effective way to lessen leg edema and improve comfort. Fluid restriction isn’t routinely used in pregnancy and can risk dehydration and reduced placental perfusion. Keeping the legs uncrossed helps venous return somewhat, but it is not as effective as actively elevating the legs. Range-of-motion exercises promote circulation and help prevent clots, but they don’t reduce edema as directly or quickly as leg elevation.

Edema in late pregnancy mainly happens because the enlarging uterus increases pressure on pelvic veins, slowing return of blood from the legs and causing fluid to pool in dependent areas. Elevating the legs directly boosts venous return by using gravity to move fluid back toward the heart, which lowers hydrostatic pressure in the leg vessels and reduces swelling. This simple positionChange is a straightforward, effective way to lessen leg edema and improve comfort.

Fluid restriction isn’t routinely used in pregnancy and can risk dehydration and reduced placental perfusion. Keeping the legs uncrossed helps venous return somewhat, but it is not as effective as actively elevating the legs. Range-of-motion exercises promote circulation and help prevent clots, but they don’t reduce edema as directly or quickly as leg elevation.