What complication can arise from the too-rapid infusion of intravenous fluids?

The correct choice highlights a significant and well-documented risk associated with the rapid infusion of intravenous fluids: fluid volume overload. This condition occurs when the amount of fluid administered exceeds the capacity of the body's circulatory system to handle it.

When intravenous fluids are infused too quickly, they can lead to an excess of fluid in the vascular system. This can cause increased blood pressure and lead to complications such as pulmonary edema, where fluid accumulates in the lungs, making it difficult for the patient to breathe. Signs of fluid volume overload include swelling, high blood pressure, and symptoms such as dyspnea (shortness of breath) due to the lungs becoming overloaded with fluid.

In contrast, while pneumonia might occur in a patient with compromised lung function, it is not a direct consequence of rapid fluid administration. Anaphylactic shock could be a possibility if a patient were allergic to the fluids used, but this is generally more related to the composition of the fluid rather than the rate of infusion. Similarly, rapid infusion could lead to electrolyte imbalances, especially if the fluids are of a certain composition or if underlying conditions exist, but this is not as immediate a concern as fluid volume overload, which arises specifically from the excessive volume. Understanding the balance of fluid management