Question

34) A nurse is assessing a patient's fluid status. Which assessments indicate that the patient has a deficient fluid volume? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

1. Negative balance of intake and output
2. Decreased body temperature
3. Increased blood pressure
4. Shortness of breath
5. Flat neck veins
6. Weight loss

Answer 1

Indicators of deficient fluid volume include a negative balance of intake and output, flat neck veins, and weight loss. Other symptoms like increased pulse rate, reduced blood pressure, skin changes, and exhaustion are also associated with dehydration. The correct options are 1, 5 and 6.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is assessing a patient's fluid status, several assessments can indicate that the patient has a deficient fluid volume (dehydration). The correct indications from the list provided would be:

• Negative balance of intake and output: A negative fluid balance indicates that a patient is losing more fluids than they are taking in.
• Flat neck veins: Neck veins may appear flat when blood volume is low due to dehydration.
• Weight loss: Sudden weight loss can occur with a loss of body fluid.

The other options provided, such as decreased body temperature, increased blood pressure, and shortness of breath, are not typically associated with deficient fluid volume. In fact, dehydration can cause an increased pulse rate and reduced blood pressure. Other signs of dehydration might include dryness and wrinkling of the skin, exhaustion, or collapse due to decreased circulating fluid volume.