If signs of fluid volume overload are present, what should you do?

• A. Stop or reduce IV fluids and notify the provider
• B. Increase IV rate
• C. Switch to oral fluids
• D. Do nothing

Answer: (A)

When signs of fluid volume overload appear, the priority is to stop or reduce IV fluids and notify the provider. Halting or slowing the infusion directly limits further fluid intake, which can prevent worsening edema, pulmonary congestion, and hypertension. While you do this, quickly assess the patient: check vital signs, listen to the lungs for crackles, look for edema, note daily weights and intake/output, and review current IV orders and pump settings. If needed, adjust the IV rate per protocol or hold the infusion until the provider gives new orders. The provider may direct fluid restriction, diuretics, or changes to the IV regimen. Monitor the patient closely after making changes, document findings, and escalate if respiratory distress or hypoxia develops. Increasing the IV rate or doing nothing would not address the overload; switching to oral fluids while continuing IV fluids can still worsen the situation.