Why does a patient with impaired kidney function experience edema (swelling) as a result of reduced glomerular filtration?

💡 Explanation

Edema occurs due to fluid accumulation in tissues. Reduced glomerular filtration impairs the kidney's ability to properly regulate fluid balance through osmosis in the nephron. This reduces fluid reabsorption into the blood because the osmotic gradient is disrupted; therefore, fluid accumulates in the interstitial spaces, rather than being reabsorbed like normal.

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