In clients with fluid overload, which clinical sign is most commonly observed in the initial stages?

In clients with fluid overload, increased blood pressure is a common clinical sign observed during the initial stages. Fluid overload leads to an excess of fluid in the body, which increases the volume of blood circulating through the veins and arteries. The increased blood volume can elevate cardiac output, placing additional strain on the cardiovascular system. As a result, the body responds to this increased volume by raising blood pressure in an attempt to accommodate or regulate the flow of fluid within the circulatory system.

In contrast to increased blood pressure, the other signs listed do not typically indicate fluid overload in its early stages. For instance, decreased heart rate and bradycardia suggest a reduction in cardiac output or possibly other cardiovascular issues not directly related to fluid overload. Hematuria, the presence of blood in urine, is not a direct sign of fluid overload and often indicates other underlying conditions, such as kidney problems or injury. Thus, increased blood pressure serves as a key indicator of the body's response to excess fluid volume in the early stages of fluid overload.