What assessment finding indicates fluid volume overload in Sam's case?

A weight gain of 10 pounds is a significant indicator of fluid volume overload. In clinical practice, rapid or substantial weight gain is often used as a simple measure to assess fluid retention. Fluid volume overload can occur when the body retains excess fluids, leading to swelling and weight gain. This weight can be from excess interstitial fluid rather than an increase in body mass; thus, monitoring changes in weight is a reliable method for assessing fluid status in patients.

While the other options provide information on different parameters related to a patient's health, they do not specifically point to fluid retention. For example, hemoglobin and hematocrit values can indicate anemia or changes in blood viscosity but do not directly reflect fluid overload. A sodium level of 150 mEq/L may indicate hypernatremia but is not a definitive indicator of fluid volume overload on its own. Therefore, the substantial weight gain serves as the most direct and pertinent finding related to fluid volume overload in this scenario.