How is pitting edema characterized during a physical examination?

Pitting edema is characterized by a persistent indentation of the skin when it is pressed. This occurs because excess fluid accumulates in the interstitial spaces of the tissues, and when pressure is applied, the fluid can be displaced, leaving a temporary mark or indention in the skin. The degree of pitting may vary based on the severity of the edema.

In clinical practice, a healthcare provider evaluates the depth of the indentation and how long it takes for the skin to return to its normal contour, which can provide insight into the potential underlying causes and severity of the condition. The other options describe different phenomena: a sudden increase in blood pressure is unrelated to edema, visible swelling without indentation indicates non-pitting edema, and discoloration of the skin might suggest other issues such as bruising or vascular problems, but does not define pitting edema specifically.