What is a common sign of fluid retention in heart failure patients?

A common sign of fluid retention in heart failure patients is nocturia. This condition refers to the frequent need to wake up at night to urinate, which occurs as fluid that has accumulated during the day is redistributed and excreted while the patient is lying down. In heart failure, the body's ability to handle fluid balance is compromised, leading to edema and increased fluid volume. As fluid accumulates, especially in the lower extremities during the day, it often gets mobilized to the kidneys upon lying down, resulting in nocturia.

The other options do not typically align with fluid retention in heart failure. Weight loss is often not common in heart failure patients, as many experience weight gain due to fluid accumulation. Increased energy levels are generally not associated with heart failure, as patients often report fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance. Regular bowel movements are more related to gastrointestinal health rather than a direct indicator of fluid retention in heart failure patients.