Overhydration is best described as:

Overhydration is best described as:

• A. A state of low blood sodium.
• B. A condition where the total volume of body fluid is high.
• C. Excess potassium in the bloodstream.
• D. Increased urine concentration.

Answer: (B)

Overhydration is a situation where there is more water in the body overall, so the total volume of body fluid is elevated. When fluid intake outpaces the kidneys’ ability to excrete it, the whole fluid compartment expands, which can lead to edema and dilution of blood electrolytes. The low sodium scenario can occur as a consequence of this dilution, but it describes a result of the increased fluid, not the definition itself. Excess potassium and concentrated urine are not defining features of overhydration; they reflect separate issues or the body’s different responses to fluid balance.

Overhydration is a situation where there is more water in the body overall, so the total volume of body fluid is elevated. When fluid intake outpaces the kidneys’ ability to excrete it, the whole fluid compartment expands, which can lead to edema and dilution of blood electrolytes. The low sodium scenario can occur as a consequence of this dilution, but it describes a result of the increased fluid, not the definition itself. Excess potassium and concentrated urine are not defining features of overhydration; they reflect separate issues or the body’s different responses to fluid balance.