Question

Your patient is a 37 year old unconscious female in the ICU with a fever, coarse bilateral lung crackles and orders for 1200 mL tube feeding q 24 hours. Does the data in this case point to FVD (Fluid volume deficit) or FVE (Fluid volume excess)?

1- fluid volume deficit
2- neither fluid volume deficit or excess.
3- fluid volume excess

Answer 1

The symptoms and tube feeding regimen of the 37-year-old female patient point towards fluid volume excess (FVE), noted by the fever and coarse bilateral lung crackles indicating potential fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The clinical presentation of the 37-year-old unconscious female patient suggests possible fluid volume excess (FVE). This assessment is based on the presence of a fever, coarse bilateral lung crackles, and the fact that she is receiving a substantial amount of tube feeding. Coarse crackles in the lungs may indicate fluid accumulation, which is consistent with fluid overload. The presence of a fever, coarse bilateral lung crackles, and 1200 mL tube feeding q 24 hours indicates that there is an excess of fluid in the body. To differentiate between fluid volume deficit (FVD) and fluid volume excess, one would assess for additional signs such as edema, elevated blood pressure, and weight gain, which are often associated with FVE. However, without more information, such as the patient's hydration status, urine output, and hemodynamic parameters, a definitive conclusion cannot be reached.