Which finding would most strongly suggest fluid overload in a patient with chronic heart failure?

Which finding would most strongly suggest fluid overload in a patient with chronic heart failure?

• A. Dry mouth
• B. Weight loss
• C. Weight gain due to fluid retention
• D. Increased exercise tolerance

Answer: (C)

In chronic heart failure, fluid overload happens because reduced cardiac output triggers the body to retain sodium and water, increasing total body fluid. This excess fluid most clearly shows up as weight gain from fluid retention, making it the strongest sign of overload. The other options don’t fit: dry mouth suggests dehydration, weight loss points away from fluid buildup, and increased exercise tolerance would not indicate fluid overload. Daily weight monitoring is a practical way to detect early fluid shifts in heart failure.

In chronic heart failure, fluid overload happens because reduced cardiac output triggers the body to retain sodium and water, increasing total body fluid. This excess fluid most clearly shows up as weight gain from fluid retention, making it the strongest sign of overload. The other options don’t fit: dry mouth suggests dehydration, weight loss points away from fluid buildup, and increased exercise tolerance would not indicate fluid overload. Daily weight monitoring is a practical way to detect early fluid shifts in heart failure.