A patient with edema has __________.

The correct answer is that a patient with edema has too much water in the body tissue. Edema refers to an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces or cavities of the body, leading to swelling. This condition can manifest in various parts of the body, such as the legs, feet, or abdomen, depending on the underlying cause. It can be a result of several factors, including heart failure, kidney issues, liver problems, or certain medications that may cause the body to retain water.

In contrast, loss of red blood cells could refer to anemia or other blood-related conditions but does not directly correlate with edema. Blood in the urine is indicative of a separate issue, potentially involving urinary tract infections or kidney problems, and does not describe the fluid buildup characteristic of edema. A swollen gland would suggest lymphadenopathy or infection, again unrelated to the specific fluid retention that defines edema. Thus, the defining feature of edema is indeed the accumulation of excess fluid in the body tissues.