A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid overload. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply)
Increased respiratory rate.
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Increased Hematocrit
Increased temperature
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A: Increased Respiratory Rate
Fluid overload, also known as hypervolemia, can lead to an increased respiratory rate. This occurs because the excess fluid in the body can accumulate in the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion and edema. As a result, the body attempts to compensate by increasing the respiratory rate to improve oxygenation and remove excess carbon dioxide. Normal respiratory rate for adults is typically between 12-20 breaths per minute. An increased respiratory rate above this range can indicate fluid overload.
Choice B: Increased Heart Rate
An increased heart rate, or tachycardia, is another common finding in clients with fluid overload. The heart has to work harder to pump the excess fluid throughout the body, leading to an increased heart rate. This is a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate cardiac output and tissue perfusion. Normal resting heart rate for adults is between 60-100 beats per minute. A heart rate above this range can be indicative of fluid overload.
Choice C: Increased Blood Pressure
Fluid overload can also result in increased blood pressure, or hypertension. The excess fluid in the bloodstream increases the volume of blood that the heart has to pump, leading to higher pressure within the arteries. This can strain the cardiovascular system and lead to complications if not managed properly. Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure readings consistently above this range can suggest fluid overload.
Choice D: Increased Hematocrit
Increased hematocrit is not typically associated with fluid overload. Hematocrit is the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. In cases of fluid overload, the hematocrit level is usually decreased due to the dilutional effect of the excess fluid. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice E: Increased Temperature
Increased temperature is not a common finding in fluid overload. Fever or elevated body temperature is more commonly associated with infections or inflammatory conditions. Fluid overload does not typically cause an increase in body temperature. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Monitoring the QT interval is crucial when administering amiodarone because this drug can prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of torsades de pointes, a potentially life-threatening form of ventricular tachycardia. The QT interval represents the time it takes for the heart’s ventricles to depolarize and repolarize, and prolongation can lead to arrhythmias. Regular monitoring helps in early detection and prevention of such adverse effects.
Choice B Reason:
Heart rate monitoring is essential when administering amiodarone because the drug can cause bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate). Amiodarone affects the electrical conduction system of the heart, which can lead to significant changes in heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate ensures that any bradycardia is detected early and managed appropriately to prevent complications such as hypotension or heart failure.
Choice C Reason:
While respiratory rate monitoring is important in general patient care, it is not specifically necessary for monitoring the effects of amiodarone. Amiodarone primarily affects the heart’s electrical activity and has less direct impact on respiratory function. However, in cases of severe adverse reactions, such as pulmonary toxicity, respiratory monitoring may become relevant.
Choice D Reason:
Monitoring heart rhythm is vital when administering amiodarone because the drug is used to treat arrhythmias and can also cause new arrhythmias or exacerbate existing ones. Continuous ECG monitoring helps in detecting any abnormal heart rhythms early, allowing for timely intervention. This is particularly important in patients with a history of arrhythmias or those receiving high doses of amiodarone.
Choice E Reason:
Urine output monitoring is not specifically necessary for patients receiving amiodarone. While maintaining adequate urine output is important for overall patient health, amiodarone does not typically affect renal function directly. Therefore, urine output monitoring is not a primary concern when administering this medication.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), and lethargy are critical symptoms that can indicate a life-threatening condition such as shock or severe dehydration.Hypotension can lead to inadequate perfusion of vital organs, resulting in multi-organ failure if not promptly addressed1.Tachycardia is often a compensatory mechanism for hypotension, and lethargy indicates decreased cerebral perfusion.Immediate intervention is required to stabilize the patient’s condition and prevent further deterioration.
Choice B reason:
Dizziness with a headache rated 7/10 on the numeric scale is concerning but not immediately life-threatening.These symptoms could indicate a variety of conditions, such as migraine, vertigo, or even a mild concussion.While the patient should be assessed and treated, they do not present the same immediate risk as hypotension and tachycardia.
Choice C reason:
Abdominal pain, hypertension (high blood pressure), and constipation are symptoms that need medical attention but are not immediately life-threatening.Hypertension can lead to serious complications if left untreated, but it does not require the same urgent intervention as hypotension.Abdominal pain and constipation, while uncomfortable and potentially indicative of underlying issues, do not pose an immediate threat to life.
Choice D reason:
Febrile (fever), tachycardia, and vomiting are symptoms that suggest an infection or other acute illness.While these symptoms are concerning and need prompt evaluation, they do not pose the same immediate risk as hypotension and tachycardia.Fever and vomiting can lead to dehydration, but this typically develops over a longer period compared to the rapid deterioration seen with hypotension.