An accumulation of excessive fluid in the body?

• A. Aspiration
• B. Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA)
• C. Edema
• D. MyPlate

Answer: (C)

Edema is an accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues, which leads to swelling. This happens when fluid leaks from blood vessels into the surrounding tissue or when the lymphatic system can’t drain it effectively. It can arise from several factors, such as high salt intake, low blood protein (which lowers the blood’s ability to hold fluid), heart failure, kidney or liver disease, pregnancy, or inflammation. Edema can show up in a specific area (like an ankle or hand) or more diffusely, and it can feel pitting (the skin leaves a dent when pressed) or non-pitting. In nutrition and health contexts, managing edema involves looking at fluid and protein balance, sodium intake, and treating any underlying condition. The other terms don’t describe this phenomenon: aspiration means drawing fluid out with suction, a cerebrovascular accident is a stroke, and MyPlate is a general dietary guidance framework.