Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 91%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who sustained blood loss. Which is a manifestation of hypovolemia?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Weak pulse. In hypovolemia (low blood volume), the body compensates by increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels to maintain blood pressure. A weak pulse indicates inadequate blood volume reaching peripheral arteries, a classic sign of hypovolemia. Dyspnea (A) is more common in conditions like respiratory distress. Increased blood pressure (B) is not a typical finding in hypovolemia. Decreased heart rate (D) is unlikely in hypovolemia due to the body's compensatory mechanisms.