Which finding is not consistent with fluid volume deficit?

Which finding is not consistent with fluid volume deficit?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Dry mucous membranes
• C. Peripheral edema
• D. Oliguria

Answer: (C)

Fluid volume deficit means there isn’t enough circulating fluid, so the body shows signs of dehydration and reduced perfusion. The heart often beats faster to maintain cardiac output (tachycardia), mucous membranes become dry, and the kidneys conserve water, leading to oliguria. Edema, or swelling from fluid accumulation in the interstitial space, indicates an excess of fluid or fluid shifting into tissues, not a deficit. Therefore peripheral edema is not consistent with fluid volume deficit; it points to fluid overload or third-spacing rather than dehydration.

Fluid volume deficit means there isn’t enough circulating fluid, so the body shows signs of dehydration and reduced perfusion. The heart often beats faster to maintain cardiac output (tachycardia), mucous membranes become dry, and the kidneys conserve water, leading to oliguria. Edema, or swelling from fluid accumulation in the interstitial space, indicates an excess of fluid or fluid shifting into tissues, not a deficit. Therefore peripheral edema is not consistent with fluid volume deficit; it points to fluid overload or third-spacing rather than dehydration.