Which of the following is NOT a sign of hypovolemia?

The correct answer is that increased central venous pressure (CVP) is not a sign of hypovolemia. Hypovolemia, which refers to a state of decreased blood volume, typically leads to physiological responses that aim to maintain blood circulation and compensate for the reduced volume.

When the body experiences hypovolemia, compensatory mechanisms are triggered, often resulting in increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. These changes are part of a response to maintain adequate perfusion to vital organs. Concurrently, kidney function may be affected due to reduced blood volume, often resulting in decreased urine output as the body attempts to conserve fluid.

In contrast, elevated CVP usually indicates that there is an excess of fluid in the circulatory system, often related to conditions such as heart failure, fluid overload, or increased venous return. Thus, in cases of hypovolemia, we would expect the CVP to be low rather than high, supporting the assertion that increased CVP is not a hallmark of hypovolemia.