Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

What medical term refers to a condition that involves swelling due to fluid accumulation?

1. Edema

2. Oedema

3. Onychomycosis

4. Dermatitis

The correct answer is: Edema

The term that describes a condition involving swelling due to fluid accumulation is edema. Edema specifically refers to the excess fluid that collects in the interstitial spaces of the body's tissues, which leads to visible swelling. This can occur for a number of reasons, including inflammation, injury, or medical conditions that affect the body's ability to maintain fluid balance. While oedema is technically another spelling of the same term, primarily used in British English, the more commonly used spelling in medical contexts, particularly in the United States, is edema. Onychomycosis, on the other hand, refers to a fungal infection of the nails, and dermatitis signifies inflammation of the skin, neither of which are related to fluid accumulation and swelling. Therefore, understanding edema is essential, as it is a significant indicator of underlying health issues and can influence treatment approaches in esthetics.