An abnormal enlargement of a body part due to fluid buildup is called?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Swelling
• C. Temperature
• D. Suprapubic

Answer: (B)

Swelling occurs when excess fluid collects in the tissues, causing an area to enlarge and feel puffy. This fluid buildup is called edema, and it shows up as visible puffiness in parts of the body such as the feet, ankles, hands, or legs. In CNA practice, recognizing swelling is important because it can signal underlying conditions like heart, kidney, or liver problems, or occur from immobility or injury.

The other terms don’t describe this process: a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) is about how fast the heart beats, body heat (temperature) refers to warmth or fever, and suprapubic describes a location above the pubic bone rather than a process of fluid accumulation.

If you observe swelling, report it and document where and how it’s changing, and follow your facility’s orders for assessment and care (such as monitoring for pitting, elevating the affected limb if appropriate, and noting any related symptoms).