Question

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of four clients. The nurse should identify that which of the following clients is experiencing fluid overload?

a) Sodium level of 135 mEq/L
b) BUN level of 10 mg/dL
c) Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
d) Weight gain of 5 lbs in 24 hours

Answer 1

The client who gained 5 lbs in 24 hours is experiencing fluid overload or hypervolemia, which can result from various health conditions or treatments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client experiencing fluid overload can be identified by the symptom of a significant weight gain in a short period. Among the options provided, a weight gain of 5 lbs in 24 hours strongly suggests a situation of hypervolemia, which is indeed an indicator of fluid overload. This is because a rapid increase in weight typically shows that the body is retaining water and sodium, which could be due to heart failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, or the effects of certain medications. The presented laboratory data for sodium, BUN, and potassium levels are within normal ranges and do not indicate fluid overload.