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22) A nurse is monitoring a patient who is receiving intravenous fluid. Which clinical findings indicate that the patient has a fluid overload?

1. Chills, fever, and generalized discomfort
2. Blood in the tubing close to the insertion site
3. Dypnea, headache, and increased blood pressure
4. Pallor, sweating, and discomfort at the insertion site

User Gary Gauh
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Option 3 (dyspnea, headache, and increased blood pressure) indicates fluid overload or hypervolemia. This condition is caused by the retention of water and sodium and requires careful monitoring in patients receiving IV fluids. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and may involve adjusting fluids and medications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The clinical findings that indicate a patient has a fluid overload, or hypervolemia, include symptoms such as dyspnea (shortness of breath), headache, and increased blood pressure. Therefore, option 3 is the correct answer. Fluid overload is commonly caused by the retention of water and sodium, which can occur in various conditions like heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and certain kidney diseases.

It is essential for a nurse to monitor for signs of fluid overload in patients who are receiving intravenous fluids, as excessive fluid can compromise the cardiovascular system and lead to additional health problems. Treatment of hypervolemia usually involves addressing the underlying condition that led to the excess fluid retention, such as adjusting medications, reducing fluid intake, or administering diuretics.

On the contrary, symptoms like chills, fever, and generalized discomfort could indicate an infection; blood in the tubing suggests a possible complication with the IV insertion site; and pallor, sweating, and discomfort at the insertion site could be signs of a localized reaction or infection at the IV site.

User Daichi
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