Which statement is true regarding the care of a patient with edema?

Elevating the legs and hips while resting is a key nursing intervention for managing edema. This position helps reduce swelling by utilizing gravity to facilitate venous return from the lower extremities back to the heart. When the legs are elevated, it can decrease hydrostatic pressure in the blood vessels, which can minimize the accumulation of fluid in the tissues. This practice is particularly effective in conditions such as congestive heart failure or venous insufficiency, where edema is commonly present.

Maintaining legs in a dependent position can worsen edema, as this position increases venous pressure in the legs, leading to further fluid accumulation. Constricting clothing can impede blood flow and lymphatic drainage, exacerbating swelling rather than alleviating it. Encouraging patients to stand for extended periods can increase the risk of fluid pooling in the lower extremities, worsening the edema instead of helping to resolve it. Thus, elevating the legs and hips strikes a balance that actively reduces edema and promotes better circulation.