Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 87%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has an extracellular fluid volume deficit. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Correct Answer: B - Postural hypotension
Rationale: In extracellular fluid volume deficit, there is a decrease in circulating blood volume, leading to decreased blood pressure when changing positions (postural hypotension). This occurs due to reduced fluid levels in the vascular space, causing inadequate blood flow to the brain when standing up. Distended neck veins (A) are seen in fluid volume excess, not deficit. Dependent edema (C) is a sign of fluid volume excess. Bradycardia (D) is not typically associated with extracellular fluid volume deficit.
Rationale: In extracellular fluid volume deficit, there is a decrease in circulating blood volume, leading to decreased blood pressure when changing positions (postural hypotension). This occurs due to reduced fluid levels in the vascular space, causing inadequate blood flow to the brain when standing up. Distended neck veins (A) are seen in fluid volume excess, not deficit. Dependent edema (C) is a sign of fluid volume excess. Bradycardia (D) is not typically associated with extracellular fluid volume deficit.