What are the symptoms of fluid overload?

Fluid overload occurs when there is an excess of water in the body, leading to a variety of physiological symptoms. The correct answer highlights edema, hypertension, and difficulty breathing due to pulmonary congestion as key symptoms.

Edema refers to the swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues, often visible in areas like the legs and ankles. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can result from an increased blood volume due to fluid overload, putting pressure on the blood vessels. Pulmonary congestion arises when fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing. This can manifest as shortness of breath, especially when lying down, a condition also known as orthopnea, as well as a cough that may produce pink, frothy sputum in severe cases.

The other options describe conditions that do not relate to fluid overload. For example, dehydration and dry skin indicate a lack of fluid, while high energy levels and weight loss would suggest the opposite, as fluid overload typically leads to fatigue and weight gain due to excess fluid. Lastly, excessive thirst and dry mouth are symptoms of dehydration, which also contradicts the scenario of fluid overload. This understanding reinforces the association between specific symptoms and their underlying causes.