Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 75%
Simulated
A nurse is administering 1 L of 0.9% sodium chloride to a client who is postoperative and has fluid volume deficit. Which of the following changes should the nurse identify as an indication that the treatment was successful?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Decrease in heart rate. Administering 0.9% sodium chloride would help rehydrate the client, leading to an increase in blood volume and improved cardiac output. As a result, the heart doesn't have to work as hard, leading to a decrease in heart rate, indicating successful treatment.
Incorrect choices:
A: Increase in hematocrit - This would indicate dehydration, not successful treatment.
B: Increase in respiratory rate - This could be a sign of respiratory distress, not related to fluid volume correction.
D: Decrease in capillary refill time - This could indicate improved peripheral circulation, but not a direct indicator of successful fluid resuscitation.
Incorrect choices:
A: Increase in hematocrit - This would indicate dehydration, not successful treatment.
B: Increase in respiratory rate - This could be a sign of respiratory distress, not related to fluid volume correction.
D: Decrease in capillary refill time - This could indicate improved peripheral circulation, but not a direct indicator of successful fluid resuscitation.