When assessing a patient, which of the following is a sign of hypervolemia?

When assessing a patient, which of the following is a sign of hypervolemia?

• A. Decreased urinary output
• B. Swelling in the extremities
• C. Rapid weight loss
• D. Low heart rate

Answer: (B)

Swelling in the extremities is a sign of hypervolemia due to the body's reaction to excess fluid in the circulatory system. When there is an increase in blood volume, the body retains more water, which can lead to edema. This accumulation of fluid in the tissues, particularly in the limbs, manifests as swelling. Patients with hypervolemia may also experience other symptoms such as hypertension, difficulty breathing, and weight gain due to fluid retention, but extremity swelling is a notable and observable sign. Hypervolemia commonly arises from conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, or excessive salt intake, all of which can lead to an overload of fluids that the body struggles to manage, resulting in the observable edema.

Swelling in the extremities is a sign of hypervolemia due to the body's reaction to excess fluid in the circulatory system. When there is an increase in blood volume, the body retains more water, which can lead to edema. This accumulation of fluid in the tissues, particularly in the limbs, manifests as swelling. Patients with hypervolemia may also experience other symptoms such as hypertension, difficulty breathing, and weight gain due to fluid retention, but extremity swelling is a notable and observable sign.

Hypervolemia commonly arises from conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, or excessive salt intake, all of which can lead to an overload of fluids that the body struggles to manage, resulting in the observable edema.