Which restriction improves breathing with fluid excess?

• A. Fluid Restriction
• B. Isotonic Fluids
• C. Elevate Head of Bed
• D. Sodium Restriction

Answer: (D)

Limiting sodium intake directly targets the cause of fluid overload. Salt drives water retention; when you reduce sodium, the body holds onto less water, lowering extracellular and intravascular volume. That decrease in circulating volume helps reduce edema and pulmonary congestion, which often improves breathing in someone with fluid excess or congestive symptoms.

Elevating the head of the bed can ease breathing by improving mechanics and reducing diaphragmatic pressure, but it doesn’t address the underlying fluid accumulation. Giving isotonic fluids would add to the circulating volume and likely worsen edema. Restricting fluids can help, but reducing sodium is more effective for lowering overall fluid retention since water follows salt.