In a client with extracellular fluid volume excess, which sign would the nurse expect to find?

In a client experiencing extracellular fluid volume excess, one of the hallmark signs is distended jugular veins. This occurs because an excess of fluid in the extracellular space increases the overall blood volume, which can lead to increased pressure in the venous system. As a result, the jugular veins become engorged and visibly distended, especially when the client is in a reclining or semi-reclining position.

This physical manifestation is an important clinical finding, as it indicates fluid overload and helps guide the appropriate management and treatment of the patient's condition. Monitoring for distended jugular veins is crucial in nursing assessments, particularly in patients with heart failure or conditions that can lead to fluid retention, as it may signal the need for interventions to alleviate the volume excess.

The other signs or changes mentioned in the answer choices do not align with the expected findings in fluid volume excess. For example, a rapid, thready pulse can more often indicate hypovolemia rather than hypervolemia. An elevated hematocrit level typically suggests dehydration or a relative decrease in plasma volume rather than excess fluid. An increased serum sodium level may indicate hypernatremia, which is not specifically linked to fluid overload conditions. Thus, the presence of distended jugular