A nurse is evaluating a client who received intermittent IV fluids. Which of the following findings indicates the client has a fluid overload?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: A heart rate of 60/min is within normal range and does not indicate fluid overload, which may present with tachycardia due to increased cardiac workload. This finding is more consistent with normal physiology or hypovolemia, making it incorrect for identifying fluid overload. Choice B reason: Skin warm and dry suggests normal hydration or dehydration, not fluid overload, which typically causes edema or moist skin. Dry skin indicates fluid deficit, not excess, making this finding irrelevant and incorrect for assessing fluid overload in this client. Choice C reason: A respiratory rate of 30/min indicates tachypnea, a sign of fluid overload due to pulmonary edema from excess IV fluids. Fluid in the lungs impairs gas exchange, increasing breathing effort, aligning with clinical manifestations of overload, making this the correct finding. Choice D reason: Tenting skin turgor indicates dehydration, not fluid overload, as it reflects reduced skin elasticity from fluid loss. Fluid overload causes edema, not tenting, making this finding opposite to the expected presentation and incorrect for this scenario.