Final answer:
The nurse can identify fluid volume excess by looking for signs and symptoms such as edema and increased fluid retention. Pitting edema can be observed by pressing a finger into the suspected area. Underlying medical conditions like heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney disease can also cause fluid volume excess.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse can identify fluid volume excess by looking for signs and symptoms such as edema, which is the accumulation of excess water in the tissues. This may be seen as swelling over large areas of the body, particularly the lower extremities. Another indicator can be increased fluid retention in the interstitial spaces and cells of the body.
One way to check for localized edema in a limb is to press a finger into the area. If a depression persists for several seconds after the finger is removed (referred to as 'pitting'), it can indicate edema.
In addition, the underlying medical conditions that can cause fluid volume excess include heart failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, hyperaldosteronism, and certain glucocorticoid steroid treatments.