Which symptom is associated with fluid volume excess?

Which symptom is associated with fluid volume excess?

• A. Bounding pulse
• B. Hypotension
• C. Lungs with crackles
• D. Dry mucous membranes

Answer: (C)

Fluid volume excess causes too much fluid in the body, and when that excess accumulates in the lungs it leads to pulmonary edema. The fluid in the alveolar spaces and interstitium produces crackles heard on auscultation and often dyspnea. While a bounding pulse can occur from increased circulating volume and hypertension may accompany overload, dry mucous membranes signal dehydration and hypotension points toward volume depletion. So crackles in the lungs best reflect the direct impact of fluid overload on the respiratory system.

Fluid volume excess causes too much fluid in the body, and when that excess accumulates in the lungs it leads to pulmonary edema. The fluid in the alveolar spaces and interstitium produces crackles heard on auscultation and often dyspnea. While a bounding pulse can occur from increased circulating volume and hypertension may accompany overload, dry mucous membranes signal dehydration and hypotension points toward volume depletion. So crackles in the lungs best reflect the direct impact of fluid overload on the respiratory system.