Which choice indicates an expected patient outcome when receiving IV fluids?

When a patient is receiving IV fluids, one of the expected outcomes is the absence of symptoms that indicate fluid overload. Fluid overload can lead to serious complications, including pulmonary edema, hypertension, and heart failure. Symptoms of fluid overload may include shortness of breath, swelling in the extremities, high blood pressure, and increased heart rate.

Monitoring for the absence of these symptoms ensures that the IV fluid therapy is being administered effectively, without overwhelming the patient's circulatory system. When IV fluids are properly managed and the patient’s fluid balance is maintained, there should be no signs of fluid overload, indicating that the therapy is achieving its intended purpose.

The other options suggest either symptoms or processes related to ongoing management of patient care, but they do not directly reflect a primary patient outcome of using IV fluids. For instance, increased thirst could indicate inadequate hydration or the body signaling the need for more fluids, which isn’t a desired outcome when IV fluids are being administered. Stable vital signs are certainly a goal but can vary due to many factors unrelated to fluid therapy. Continued monitoring of input and output is an ongoing necessary intervention rather than an outcome, as it helps inform the effectiveness of the treatment being delivered.