A nurse is assessing a client who has circulatory overload. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A) Diaphoresis:
While diaphoresis (excessive sweating) may occur with some cardiac or respiratory conditions, it is not a primary or expected sign of circulatory overload. Circulatory overload generally involves fluid accumulation in the body, and symptoms are more likely related to fluid retention and increased workload on the heart rather than sweating.

B) Weight loss:
Weight loss is not typically associated with circulatory overload. In fact, one of the hallmark signs of circulatory overload is weight gain due to fluid retention. The body retains excess fluid in the vascular system, leading to an increase in weight rather than weight loss.

C) Hypotension:
Hypotension (low blood pressure) is generally not associated with circulatory overload. Circulatory overload typically results in elevated blood pressure due to the increased volume of circulating fluid. In some cases, if the heart is unable to handle the increased volume, symptoms like pulmonary edema or shortness of breath can occur, but hypotension is more commonly seen in conditions like shock or severe fluid loss.

D) Tachycardia:
Tachycardia (an elevated heart rate) is a common finding in circulatory overload. When there is an excess of fluid in the body, the heart has to work harder to pump the additional volume of blood, leading to an increased heart rate. This is a compensatory response to the increased workload on the heart. It is also a sign that the body is attempting to maintain adequate tissue perfusion despite the excess fluid volume.

A) Potassium level 3 mEq/L:
A potassium level of 3 mEq/L is below the normal range (which is typically 3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and represents hypokalemia. Potassium is crucial for normal muscle and nerve function, including cardiac function. Low potassium levels can lead to dangerous arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrest if not addressed promptly. This is the priority value because hypokalemia can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention from the healthcare provider to correct the imbalance.

B) BUN 9.5 mg/dl:
A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level of 9.5 mg/dL is within the normal reference range for most adults (typically 7-20 mg/dL). While an abnormal BUN level could indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration, this value is not immediately concerning and does not represent a critical finding that requires urgent attention.

C) Creatinine 0.4 mg/dl:
A creatinine level of 0.4 mg/dL is below the normal range (usually around 0.6-1.2 mg/dL), which might indicate low muscle mass or a transient decrease in kidney function. However, a low creatinine level is generally not as urgent or concerning as an elevated level, and it does not typically require immediate intervention

D) Sodium 135 mEq/L:
A sodium level of 135 mEq/L is slightly below the normal range (135-145 mEq/L), indicating mild hyponatremia. Although this can be concerning if the drop is acute or symptomatic (e.g., causing confusion, seizures, or lethargy), a mild decrease in sodium is not immediately life-threatening unless it worsens rapidly.