Fluid Volume Excess

Fluid volume excess, also called hypervolaemia, is more than visible swelling. In renal disease, impaired filtration and tubular excretion allow sodium and water to remain in the body, increasing both intravascular and interstitial volume. The nurse connects the trend in weight, urine output, respiratory findings, blood pressure, renal laboratory results, and recent treatment. A patient with crackles and increasing oxygen needs requires a different priority from a patient with stable dependent oedema. The central clinical question is whether retained fluid is beginning to impair oxygenation, tissue perfusion, or electrolyte and acid–base balance.