What signs indicate that a patient is experiencing fluid volume excess (FVE)?

In the context of fluid volume excess (FVE), the correct choice highlights key physiological signs that indicate the condition. Labored respirations and crackles in the lungs are significant indicators because when the body retains excess fluid, it can lead to pulmonary congestion. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs interferes with normal gas exchange, which manifests as difficulty breathing (labored respirations). Additionally, crackles, which are often described as a "wet" sound, can be heard upon auscultation of the lungs and suggest fluid presence in the airways or alveoli.

These signs are consistent with the body's response to an overload of fluid, emphasizing the importance of recognizing respiratory changes in patients with FVE. The other options reflect various signs and symptoms that, while they have their own clinical significance, do not directly indicate fluid volume excess in the same way labored breathing and crackles do.