Which finding would most strongly suggest fluid volume imbalance in an elderly patient receiving home health care?

Which finding would most strongly suggest fluid volume imbalance in an elderly patient receiving home health care?

• A. Weight changes with edema and orthostatic hypotension
• B. Persistent fever without other symptoms
• C. Stable weight and normal vital signs
• D. Low blood sugar readings

Answer: (A)

Fluid volume imbalance is suggested when you see signs that fluid status is not where it should be, especially in older adults where small changes matter. Weight change is a key clue, because it directly reflects fluid gained or lost. Edema shows fluid accumulating in the tissues, indicating fluid overload, while orthostatic hypotension—blood pressure dropping on standing—points to reduced circulating volume. When both are present, they strongly indicate the body's fluid balance is off. By contrast, a fever without other symptoms suggests infection, stable weight with normal vital signs points to stable fluid status, and low blood sugar signals a metabolic issue rather than a fluid problem.

Fluid volume imbalance is suggested when you see signs that fluid status is not where it should be, especially in older adults where small changes matter. Weight change is a key clue, because it directly reflects fluid gained or lost. Edema shows fluid accumulating in the tissues, indicating fluid overload, while orthostatic hypotension—blood pressure dropping on standing—points to reduced circulating volume. When both are present, they strongly indicate the body's fluid balance is off. By contrast, a fever without other symptoms suggests infection, stable weight with normal vital signs points to stable fluid status, and low blood sugar signals a metabolic issue rather than a fluid problem.