Emergency Endotracheal Intubation (EEI) Airway Practice Test

Dependent edema happens when fluid backs up in the body's tissues due to high venous pressures and overall fluid retention. This is classic in congestive heart failure, where the heart’s pumping is inefficient. Elevated pressures in the venous system raise hydrostatic pressure in capillaries, pushing fluid into the interstitial space, especially in gravity-dependent areas like the legs. The kidneys also respond to reduced perfusion by retaining sodium and water, which increases circulating volume and worsens edema. In COPD-related conditions such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema, edema isn’t the defining feature; they may eventually cause right‑sided heart strain, but it’s not as characteristic or prominent as in CHF.