Which of the following are signs of fluid overload?

Fluid overload occurs when there is too much fluid in the body, often leading to an increase in blood volume that can stress the cardiovascular system and lead to pulmonary congestion. The signs of fluid overload typically include edema (swelling in tissues), hypertension (increased blood pressure), and shortness of breath due to excess fluid in the lungs, which makes it difficult for the individual to breathe properly.

Edema can be peripheral, manifesting in the extremities, or it can occur in other body areas, often leading to visible swelling. Hypertension arises as the heart works harder to pump the increased volume of blood, leading to elevated blood pressure readings. Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can result from pulmonary congestion, where fluid accumulates in the lungs, interfering with oxygen exchange.

The other options list symptoms that may not be directly caused by fluid overload. For instance, while fatigue and nausea can occur in various conditions, they are not specific indicators of fluid overload. Similarly, drowsiness and vertigo may relate to numerous issues, and chest pain combined with a rash points to very different medical concerns that do not particularly indicate fluid overload. Thus, the combination of edema, hypertension, and shortness of breath distinctly characterizes fluid overload