In clinical assessment, an increased central venous pressure might suggest what?

An increased central venous pressure (CVP) is indicative of fluid overload in the body. CVP measures the pressure in the thoracic vena cava, near the right atrium of the heart, and provides insight into the volume status of the patient. When the CVP is elevated, it suggests that there is an excess of fluid in the circulatory system, which can happen due to various conditions such as heart failure, kidney dysfunction, or excessive fluid administration.

In clinical practice, monitoring CVP is essential for assessing a patient's volume status, particularly in critically ill patients. Fluid overload can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema and heart failure, making it crucial to accurately interpret CVP readings. Therefore, understanding that an increase in CVP points towards fluid overload is fundamental for managing patient care and interventions effectively.