A lymphatic obstruction can lead to which of the following conditions?

Lymphatic obstruction primarily impacts the fluid balance in the body, leading to a condition known as edema. The lymphatic system is responsible for draining excess interstitial fluid from tissues and returning it to the bloodstream. When there is an obstruction in the lymphatic vessels, the drainage is impaired, causing the accumulation of fluid in the tissues. This buildup results in swelling, which is characteristic of edema.

Fluid accumulation can also compromise immune function, as the lymphatic system plays a crucial role in transporting lymphocytes and other immune cells. However, the direct effect of lymphatic obstruction on fluid dynamics is what specifically leads to edema as the most significant result.

Other conditions listed, such as high blood pressure, infections, and blood clots, while they may be associated with various pathological states, do not directly result from lymphatic obstruction in the same manner that edema does. In summary, the impediment of lymphatic flow primarily causes fluid retention in tissues, manifesting as edema.