Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test

Fluid overload in dialysis patients can lead to hypertension and heart failure due to the increased volume of fluid in the circulatory system. When the kidneys are not functioning effectively, as is the case with patients requiring dialysis, the body's ability to eliminate excess fluid is compromised. This can cause an accumulation of fluid, leading to increased blood pressure (hypertension) as the heart must work harder to pump the additional volume of blood. Over time, the persistent strain on the heart can result in heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs.

In contrast, improved kidney function is unlikely in patients who are already reliant on dialysis, as their kidneys have already failed to the extent that they require such therapy. Dehydration is the opposite effect of fluid overload and would not typically result from excessive fluid. Although muscle cramps can occur in dialysis patients, they are more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances and rapid shifts in fluid balance during the dialysis process rather than being a direct consequence of fluid overload. Thus, the correct choice highlights the serious cardiovascular complications that can arise from fluid overload in these patients.