What can be a result of fluid overload in a patient?

Fluid overload occurs when there is an excessive amount of fluid in the body, often leading to a range of physiological changes. One significant effect of fluid overload is increased blood pressure. When there is more fluid in the vascular system, it requires the heart to pump with greater force to manage the larger volume of blood. This increased volume and pressure can cause the blood vessels to dilate and can ultimately lead to hypertension.

In the setting of fluid overload, the body responds to the excess fluid by attempting to redistribute it, which can manifest as increased vascular resistance and elevated blood pressure readings. This condition is often seen in patients with heart failure or renal dysfunction, where fluid balance is already compromised.

The other options do not accurately reflect the pathophysiological changes associated with fluid overload. For instance, increased heart rate and bradycardia are not typically direct outcomes of fluid overload; they may occur due to other underlying conditions or compensatory mechanisms. Improved renal function is also unlikely to result from fluid overload, as excessive fluid can lead to kidney strain and potentially worsen renal function. Therefore, the most appropriate consequence of fluid overload among the provided choices is increased blood pressure.