When an excess of body fluid exists in the intravascular compartment,

When an excess of body fluid exists in the intravascular compartment, all of the following signs can be expected except:

1. Rales
2. A bounding pulse
3. Engorged peripheral veins
4. An elevated hematocrit level

ANSWER

ANS: 4
An elevated hematocrit level would be expected with a deficit of body fluid in the intravascular compartment. When an excess of body fluid exists in the intravascular compartment, a decreased hematocrit would be expected. Crackles (in lungs) are consistent findings with fluid volume ex-cess. An assessment finding associated with fluid volume excess is a bounding pulse. Engorged peripheral veins may be seen with fluid volume excess.