Which symptoms indicate fluid volume overload?

• A. Dyspnea, crackles, and distended neck veins
• B. Palpitations and dry cough
• C. Hypotension with cool skin
• D. Urinary incontinence

Answer: (A)

Fluid volume overload occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the vascular and interstitial spaces. The lungs are very sensitive to this, so fluid pushes into the interstitium and alveoli, leading to shortness of breath (dyspnea) and abnormal lung sounds (crackles). The same excess fluid increases central venous pressure, which causes the neck veins to appear distended. Together, dyspnea, crackles, and distended neck veins are classic signs of volume overload, as seen in conditions like heart or kidney failure or excessive IV fluids.

Palpitations with a dry cough can occur in cardiac or respiratory issues but aren’t specific for volume overload. Hypotension with cool skin points to poor perfusion or dehydration rather than fluid excess. Urinary incontinence isn’t related to fluid status.