Which condition is indicated by the presence of edema?

The presence of edema indicates fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces of body tissues, and fluid overload is one of the primary causes of this condition. When the body retains excess fluid, it leads to swelling as the increased volume of fluid begins to exceed the normal capacity of the tissues to absorb it. Conditions that can contribute to fluid overload include heart failure, kidney disease, and overzealous fluid administration, particularly in the context of intravenous therapy.

In contrast, other options like poor circulation, infection, and dehydration can lead to various symptoms, but they typically do not directly result in edema. Poor circulation might lead to tissue ischemia or even atrophy, while infection may cause localized swelling and redness but is usually accompanied by other signs like fever and pain. Dehydration results in decreased fluid levels in the body, which would not contribute to swelling. Therefore, fluid overload is the most direct and relevant condition associated with edema.