Which statement best describes circulatory overload?

• A. It is indicated by signs including elevated blood pressure and neck vein distention
• B. It is indicated by low blood pressure and cool extremities
• C. It is not measurable
• D. It only occurs with dehydration

Answer: (A)

Circulatory overload happens when there’s too much fluid in the circulation, raising the pressures the heart has to work against. That increased intravascular volume shows up as elevated blood pressure and distended neck veins, reflecting higher central venous pressure. These signs point to congestion in the vascular system, which is why the statement describing elevated blood pressure and neck vein distention fits best. Low blood pressure with cool extremities suggests the opposite problem—low volume and poor perfusion—so it wouldn’t describe overload. It is also measurable through vitals and exam findings, and overload isn’t limited to dehydration—dehydration is the loss of volume, not an excess.