A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid overload. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

A. Fluid overload by itself does not typically cause fever. Fever is generally a sign of infection or inflammatory processes, not excess fluid. The presence of a normal or slightly elevated temperature would not indicate fluid overload. B. Fluid overload increases pulmonary venous pressure, leading to pulmonary congestion or pulmonary edema. The alveoli may fill with fluid, impairing gas exchange and causing dyspnea. As a compensatory mechanism, the body increases respiratory rate (tachypnea) to improve oxygenation and maintain acid-base balance. C. Excess circulating volume stretches the heart and increases cardiac workload. In response, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, causing tachycardia to maintain adequate cardiac output and tissue perfusion. Persistent tachycardia can eventually contribute to heart failure if volume overload continues. D. The expanded intravascular volume from fluid overload increases preload and afterload, raising systemic blood pressure. Hypertension can further strain the heart and exacerbate edema formation in dependent tissues. E. Hematocrit typically decreases in fluid overload due to hemodilution. The plasma volume increases relative to red blood cell mass, lowering the proportion of red blood cells in circulation.