What are the signs of fluid volume excess (FVE) during IV fluid therapy?

Fluid volume excess (FVE), also referred to as hypervolemia, occurs when there is an excess of fluid in the body, which can be particularly relevant during intravenous fluid therapy. One of the key signs of FVE is the presence of labored breathing accompanied by crackles in the lungs. This occurs because excess fluid can lead to pulmonary congestion, where fluid builds up in the alveoli, making it difficult for oxygen to be exchanged and causing the characteristic crackling sounds when breathing.

In the context of IV fluid therapy, monitoring for signs of fluid overload is crucial, as patients may be at risk of developing pulmonary edema due to excessive fluid administration. Recognizing this symptom allows for timely intervention to prevent serious complications.

Differences in temperature, heart rate, or skin condition may occur in other scenarios but are not direct indicators of FVE during IV therapy.