What condition is characterized by swelling due to excess fluid accumulation?

Enhance your medical terminology knowledge with the Scribe.ology Medical Terminology Test. Perfect your skills with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Be exam-ready!

The condition characterized by swelling due to excess fluid accumulation is indeed pitting edema. This term specifically refers to a condition in which indentation remains in the skin after pressure is applied, indicating the presence of excess fluid in the interstitial spaces. This accumulation can occur for several reasons, including heart failure, liver disease, kidney problems, or venous insufficiency.

Pitting edema indicates a specific type of swelling, where pressing on a swollen area causes a temporary dent, highlighting the fluid's accumulation in the tissues. Other options like tachycardia pertain to an increased heart rate, stenosis relates to the narrowing of a blood vessel or valve, and hypotension describes low blood pressure—all of which do not directly involve fluid accumulation and resulting swelling in the same manner as pitting edema. Understanding the characteristics and implications of pitting edema is crucial in medical settings, as it can be a sign of underlying health issues.

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