A nurse is caring for a client who has fluid volume deficit and is receiving intermittent IV fluid replacement therapy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication the treatment has been effective?

A. Increase in urine output: An increase in urine output indicates that the kidneys are adequately perfused and that intravascular volume has improved. This is a primary indicator that fluid replacement therapy is effective in correcting fluid volume deficit. B. Decrease in dependent edema: Dependent edema reflects fluid overload rather than deficit. A decrease in edema would not indicate successful treatment of fluid volume deficit and is not a relevant marker in this scenario. C. Increase in heart rate: Tachycardia is often a compensatory response to fluid volume deficit. An increase in heart rate would suggest ongoing hypovolemia rather than improvement. D. Decrease in blood pressure: Hypotension is typically associated with fluid volume deficit. A further decrease in blood pressure would indicate worsening fluid status, not effective therapy.