Which of the following would indicate progress in edema management after fluid restriction?

• A. Decreased daily weight
• B. Increased thirst
• C. Higher blood pressure
• D. Unchanged weight

Answer: (A)

The main idea is using daily weight as a practical readout of fluid status when edema management relies on fluid restriction. When excess fluid is mobilized and not retained, the body’s interstitial and extracellular fluid decreases, so the patient’s weight tends to drop. This downward trend signals that edema is improving as a result of the fluid restriction. Thirst is just a sensation related to fluid intake and doesn't directly measure edema relief. A higher blood pressure isn't a reliable indicator of edema improvement by itself, since many factors can affect blood pressure. Unchanged weight means the fluid balance hasn’t shifted, so there’s no clear progress in edema. For accuracy, weigh at the same time each day with the same clothing and after emptying the bladder.