Which signs indicate circulatory overload?

• A. Hypotension, dry mucous membranes, bradycardia
• B. Increased blood pressure, distended jugular veins, rapid breathing, dyspnea, moist cough and crackles
• C. Weight loss and dehydration
• D. Normal vitals with mild cough

Answer: (B)

Circulatory overload means there is too much fluid in the vascular system, causing increased venous pressure and backup of fluid into the lungs and other tissues. The best signs are elevated blood pressure, distended jugular veins, rapid breathing, dyspnea, and a moist cough with crackles. These reflect pulmonary edema and venous congestion from the excess volume. In contrast, low blood pressure with dry mucous membranes and bradycardia point to dehydration, as do weight loss and dehydration in general. Normal vitals with a mild cough can be nonspecific and don’t indicate overload. So the combination of high blood pressure, JVD, tachypnea, dyspnea, and crackles fits circulatory overload.