What is a common method to identify fluid retention in heart failure?

• A. Chest X-ray
• B. Echocardiography
• C. Serum potassium
• D. Measuring urine output

Answer: (D)

Fluid status in heart failure is best judged by monitoring how much fluid the kidneys are excreting. Measuring urine output provides a real-time, direct read on volume status and the effectiveness of diuretic therapy. If fluid is accumulating, urine output often drops due to reduced renal perfusion; as diuresis removes excess fluid, urine output rises, signaling improvement in fluid overload. This makes urine output a practical and commonly used method to identify and track fluid retention.

Chest X-ray and echocardiography can reveal signs of congestion or heart function, but they don’t give a quick, daily measure of current fluid balance. Serum potassium reflects electrolyte status, not fluid volume.