Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort-Nutrition
22. A client, who has not been eating or drinking, is admitted to a hospital. Which sign of dehydration should a nurse expect?
Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort-Nutrition
22. A client, who has not been eating or drinking, is admitted to a hospital. Which sign of dehydration should a nurse expect?
Test-Taking Tip
Look for the option that would be the compensatory response to the hypovolemia resulting from dehydration. Three of the options are seen with hypervolemia or volume overload, not dehydration.
Content Area: Adult Health, Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care and Comfort/Nutrition and Oral Hydration
Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort-Nutrition
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Answer 1 is correct because the body is trying to compensate for the fluid loss by stimulating the heart rate to increase cardiac output and perfusion. Answer 2 is incorrect because hypotension would be more common with dehydration or hypovolemia. Answer 3 is incorrect because shortness of breath would be more likely with volume overload. Answer 4 is incorrect because crackles in the lungs are a sign of increased fluid in the lungs, not dehydration.
