A nurse is monitoring a client who is undergoing a blood transfusion of packed RBCs. The nurse should recognize that which of the following findings indicates fluid overload?

The correct answer is Choice A, Choice D.

Choice A rationale: Tachycardia, or an increased heart rate, is a common symptom of dehydration in infants. The body attempts to maintain adequate blood circulation despite reduced fluid volume by increasing the heart rate, which is a compensatory mechanism.

Choice B rationale: Bloating is not typically associated with dehydration in infants. Dehydration usually results in symptoms like dry mucous membranes and decreased skin turgor, rather than gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating.

Choice C rationale: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is uncommon in dehydrated infants. Dehydration generally leads to hypotension (low blood pressure) due to decreased fluid volume in the circulatory system, which can result in reduced blood pressure.

Choice D rationale: Irritability is a frequent symptom of dehydration in infants. Reduced fluid intake and electrolyte imbalances can cause discomfort and distress, leading to irritability and increased fussiness in dehydrated infants.

Fluid overload is a potential complication of blood transfusion, and dyspnea is one of the hallmarks of fluid overload. Other signs and symptoms of fluid overload include a headache, hypertension, jugular vein distention, rapid breathing, and tachycardia.

An explanation for incorrect choices:

B. Fever is generally not associated with fluid overload but can be a sign of an adverse reaction to the blood transfusion, such as a febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction.

C. Pruritus is typically not associated with fluid overload but can be a sign of an adverse reaction to the blood transfusion, such as an allergic reaction.

D. Bradycardia is not typically associatedwith fluid overload but can be a sign of an adverse reaction to the blood transfusion, such as a hemolytic transfusion reaction.