Which action is recommended to manage fluid volume excess?

• A. Elevate HOB
• B. Lie completely flat
• C. Drink more fluids
• D. Take extra salt

Answer: (A)

When fluid volume excess is present, the goal is to ease breathing and reduce pulmonary congestion while supporting venous return management. Elevating the head of the bed places the patient in a more upright position, which helps with diaphragmatic expansion, improves lung ventilation, and reduces dyspnea and the sensation of suffocation that can accompany edema. This simple positioning supports better oxygenation and makes it easier to breathe as excess fluid accumulates.

Lying completely flat would worsen pulmonary edema and breathlessness by increasing venous return to the lungs. Drinking more fluids or taking extra salt would increase fluid retention and edema, opposite of the needed action.