A patient is receiving intravenous fluids postoperatively following cardiac surgery. On which potential postoperative complication should the nurse focus the assessment of this patient?
1. fluid volume excess
2. fluid volume deficit
3. seizure activity
4. liver failure
Correct Answer: 1
Antidiuretic hormone and aldosterone levels are commonly increased following the stress response before, during, and immediately after surgery. This increase leads to sodium and water retention. Adding more fluids intravenously can cause a fluid volume excess and stress upon the heart and circulatory system. Liver failure is not anticipated related to postoperative intravenous fluid administration. Seizure activity would more commonly be associated with electrolyte imbalances.
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