A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing fluid volume excess. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Rationale A. Poor skin turgor: Poor skin turgor is typically a sign of fluid volume deficit, not excess. In fluid overload, the skin may appear edematous or stretched rather than dehydrated. Assessing turgor helps differentiate between dehydration and overhydration. B. Thready pulse: A thready, weak pulse is often associated with hypovolemia due to reduced circulating volume. In fluid volume excess, pulses are usually full and bounding because of increased intravascular pressure. Pulse quality provides insight into circulatory status. C. Crackles in lung bases: Crackles heard in the lower lung fields indicate pulmonary fluid accumulation, a common finding in fluid volume excess. Excess intravascular fluid can leak into the alveoli, causing impaired gas exchange and respiratory symptoms. Auscultation of crackles helps identify pulmonary edema early. D. Flat neck veins: Flat neck veins are associated with low central venous pressure, typically seen in dehydration or hypovolemia. In fluid overload, neck veins are often distended due to increased venous pressure. Jugular vein assessment is a key indicator of intravascular volume status.