Which is a sign of fluid overload?

Which is a sign of fluid overload?

• A. Fluid Volume Excess
• B. Pulmonary Edema
• C. Jugular Vein Distention
• D. Daily Weights

Answer: (C)

Fluid overload raises pressure in the venous system, so bedside signs that reflect this excess are key. Jugular venous distention shows up when central venous pressure is elevated from extra circulating fluid, making neck veins visibly bulge higher than normal, especially at a given angle of the bed. This makes it a direct sign of fluid overload. By contrast, fluid volume excess describes the overall condition rather than a visible sign, pulmonary edema is a possible downstream manifestation in more severe cases, and daily weights are a monitoring tool to track changes over time rather than an immediate sign.

Fluid overload raises pressure in the venous system, so bedside signs that reflect this excess are key. Jugular venous distention shows up when central venous pressure is elevated from extra circulating fluid, making neck veins visibly bulge higher than normal, especially at a given angle of the bed. This makes it a direct sign of fluid overload. By contrast, fluid volume excess describes the overall condition rather than a visible sign, pulmonary edema is a possible downstream manifestation in more severe cases, and daily weights are a monitoring tool to track changes over time rather than an immediate sign.