A nurse is evaluating a client who received intermittent IV fluids. Which of the following findings indicates the client has a fluid overload?

Choice A reason: Cardiogenic shock involves reduced cardiac output, typically with low PAWP due to decreased preload from poor heart function. Elevated PAWP reflects left atrial pressure buildup, not characteristic of cardiogenic shock alone, which is distinct from heart failure, requiring specific hemodynamic management.
Choice B reason: Elevated PAWP indicates left ventricular failure, where the heart cannot pump blood effectively, causing pulmonary congestion. This increases left atrial pressure, leading to pulmonary edema, a hallmark of heart failure. Diuretics and inotropes are needed to reduce fluid overload and improve cardiac function.
Choice C reason: Hypotension is a symptom, not a direct complication of elevated PAWP. It may occur in heart failure due to reduced cardiac output, but elevated PAWP specifically signals left heart dysfunction, not hypotension itself, which is a systemic response rather than a primary cardiac issue.
Choice D reason: Hypovolemia reduces blood volume, lowering PAWP due to decreased preload. Elevated PAWP suggests fluid overload or left ventricular dysfunction, not hypovolemia, which presents with low central venous pressure and dehydration signs, requiring fluid resuscitation rather than management of heart failure.

Choice A reason: Decreased BUN is not typical in preeclampsia, where renal impairment often elevates BUN due to reduced glomerular filtration. Normal or increased BUN is expected, so this finding does not align with preeclampsia’s pathophysiology, making it an incorrect expectation.
Choice B reason: Increased protein in urine (proteinuria) is a hallmark of preeclampsia, resulting from glomerular damage due to hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. This diagnostic criterion, often >300 mg/24 hours, is critical for identifying preeclampsia, making it the correct finding the nurse should expect.
Choice C reason: Increased platelet count is not associated with preeclampsia, which often causes thrombocytopenia due to endothelial activation and platelet consumption. A decreased count (<100,000/mm³) is more likely, making this finding incorrect for preeclampsia’s clinical presentation.
Choice D reason: Decreased serum uric acid is not expected in preeclampsia, where elevated uric acid occurs due to reduced renal clearance from glomerular dysfunction. Increased levels are a marker, so this finding is opposite to preeclampsia’s effects, making it incorrect.