This is a very interesting review addressing a simple yet common clinical question: “Does This Patient Have Volume Overload?” In this narrative review published in JAMA, the authors discuss practical bedside clues from the history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing that help clinicians determine whether a patient is truly volume overloaded.
They highlight that while physical examination findings remain important, certain diagnostic tests provide greater utility in ruling in or ruling out volume overload. In particular, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, chest radiography, and point-of-care ultrasound were identified as the most useful adjunctive tests in clinical decision-making.