A patient has received 850 mL isotonic IV solution in less than 60 minutes. Which central venous pressure (CVP) reading indicates a problem related to the amount of intravenous fluids infused?

A patient has received 850 mL isotonic IV solution in less than 60 minutes. Which central venous pressure (CVP) reading indicates a problem related to the amount of intravenous fluids infused?

• A. 10 mm Hg
• B. 1 mm Hg
• C. 3 mm Hg
• D. 6 mm Hg

Answer: (A)

CVP reflects preload—the pressure the right atrium feels from venous return. Normal CVP is about 2–6 mm Hg. When IV fluids are infused rapidly, especially isotonic solutions, the circulating volume can overwhelm the heart’s capacity to handle preload, sending the preload and right atrial pressure higher. A reading around 10 mm Hg is clearly elevated and signals that the amount of fluids given is excessive for the patient’s current circulatory status, raising the risk of fluid overload such as edema or pulmonary congestion. Lower readings (1 mm Hg) suggest under-resuscitation or hypovolemia, and values near the upper normal range (around 6 mm Hg) may still be acceptable depending on the situation. So the high CVP indicates the fluid volume issue from the rapid infusion.

CVP reflects preload—the pressure the right atrium feels from venous return. Normal CVP is about 2–6 mm Hg. When IV fluids are infused rapidly, especially isotonic solutions, the circulating volume can overwhelm the heart’s capacity to handle preload, sending the preload and right atrial pressure higher. A reading around 10 mm Hg is clearly elevated and signals that the amount of fluids given is excessive for the patient’s current circulatory status, raising the risk of fluid overload such as edema or pulmonary congestion. Lower readings (1 mm Hg) suggest under-resuscitation or hypovolemia, and values near the upper normal range (around 6 mm Hg) may still be acceptable depending on the situation. So the high CVP indicates the fluid volume issue from the rapid infusion.