Which of the following is a sign of hypervolemia?

• A. Edema
• B. Dry mucous membranes
• C. Hypotension
• D. Weight loss

Answer: (A)

When the body has excess fluid, it expands the interstitial spaces and tissues, leading to edema. Edema appears as swelling, often in dependent areas like the legs or hands, and can be a visible sign that there’s fluid overload in both the vascular and interstitial compartments. This is the hallmark of hypervolemia.

Dry mucous membranes indicate dehydration or fluid loss, not excess fluid. Hypotension points to low circulating volume rather than overload. Weight loss also signals reduced fluid or tissue mass, not fluid excess. In contrast, hypervolemia typically presents with weight gain due to fluid retention, and may include edema and possibly hypertension or crackles in the lungs if fluid accumulates there.