What should the nurse monitor for after administrating intravenous albumin for edema reduction?

Monitoring for changes in mental status is particularly crucial after administering intravenous albumin, as alterations may indicate potential complications related to fluid shifts or changes in cerebral perfusion. However, the correct focus should be on signs of fluid overload, which is a significant risk when administering albumin, especially in patients who are already experiencing conditions like edema.

After albumin administration, the nurse should be vigilant for symptoms of fluid overload, such as increased blood pressure, shortness of breath, edema, or jugular vein distention. This is essential because albumin draws fluid into the vascular space, which can exacerbate any existing fluid overload states. Such monitoring helps ensure that any complications are detected early and managed promptly.

While assessing the vascular access site is generally important with any intravenous therapy to prevent issues like infiltration, in this context, being attuned to the patient's fluid balance and symptoms of overload takes priority. Hence, monitoring for fluid overload symptoms aligns best with the immediate implications of albumin administration.