A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing hypervolemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hypotension
B. Bradycardia
C. Peripheral edema
D. Weight loss
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
C. Peripheral edema
Explanation:
Hypervolemia, also known as fluid overload, occurs when there is an excessive amount of fluid in the body’s circulatory system or tissues. This condition can arise due to several factors, including heart failure, kidney dysfunction, excessive intravenous fluid administration, or excessive sodium intake.
Here’s a breakdown of why peripheral edema is the expected finding, along with the reasons why the other options are incorrect:
C. Peripheral Edema:
Peripheral edema, the swelling of tissues due to excess fluid, is one of the most common signs of hypervolemia. When the body retains too much fluid, this fluid leaks into the interstitial spaces (the spaces between cells in tissues), causing swelling in areas like the legs, ankles, and hands. This occurs because the excess fluid in the vascular system increases hydrostatic pressure, which pushes fluid out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues.
A. Hypotension:
Hypotension (low blood pressure) is not typical in hypervolemia. Instead, hypervolemia is usually associated with hypertension (high blood pressure). This happens because the excess fluid in the bloodstream increases blood volume, which in turn raises blood pressure.
B. Bradycardia:
Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is also not a common finding in hypervolemia. Rather, the heart often tries to compensate for the increased fluid volume by pumping faster, leading to tachycardia (an elevated heart rate).
D. Weight Loss:
In hypervolemia, weight gain is expected due to the accumulation of excess fluid. As the body retains more fluid, the client’s weight will increase. Weight loss, on the other hand, might indicate dehydration or fluid deficit.
In summary, the nurse should expect peripheral edema as a clear indicator of hypervolemia, along with potential signs like hypertension and tachycardia.