What is the highest priority action for a nurse who notices a patient is experiencing fluid overload?

When a nurse identifies a patient experiencing fluid overload, the highest priority action is to contact the physician. Fluid overload can lead to serious complications such as pulmonary edema, heart failure, or other significant cardiovascular issues. Prompt communication with the physician ensures that the patient receives timely medical intervention, which may include adjustments to fluid administration, diuretics to help remove excess fluid, or other necessary treatments.

While monitoring vital signs closely is important in assessing the patient’s condition, it does not directly address the urgency of the situation. Keeping the patient in a supine position might also not be appropriate in cases of fluid overload, as this position can exacerbate respiratory distress if pulmonary edema is present. Increasing the IV rate is counterproductive in fluid overload cases as it would worsen the condition rather than alleviate it. Therefore, the priority is to consult with the physician to initiate suitable interventions.