Final answer:
The nurse should inform the physician of a decreased urine output, as it is a symptom of acute kidney injury (AKI). Prompt diagnosis and treatment of AKI are essential to avoid serious consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assessment finding that should prompt the nurse to inform the physician that the patient may be exhibiting signs of acute kidney injury (AKI) is c) Decreased urine output. Decreased urine output, or oliguria, is a classic symptom of AKI. Other indicators include symptoms such as metabolic acidosis, heart arrhythmias, uremia, fatigue, and potentially elevated blood pressure due to fluid overload. It's essential for medical professionals to act promptly when AKI is suspected because it can lead to severe consequences if not treated in time. Laboratory findings to support the diagnosis could include elevated creatinine or blood urea nitrogen levels, especially when oliguria is present.