Question

A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who reports vomiting and diarrhea for the past 3 days which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit?

A. Increased urine output
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Sunken fontanelles in an infant

Answer 1

The nurse should look for sunken fontanelles in an infant as an indication of fluid volume deficit.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse in the emergency department should look for the following finding to indicate that the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit:

1. Increased urine output: Fluid volume deficit leads to decreased urine output, as the body tries to conserve fluids. Therefore, increased urine output would not indicate fluid volume deficit.
2. Moist mucous membranes: Fluid volume deficit causes dehydration, which leads to dry mucous membranes. Therefore, moist mucous membranes would not indicate fluid volume deficit.
3. Decreased heart rate: Fluid volume deficit can lead to increased heart rate as the body tries to compensate for the low fluid volume. Therefore, decreased heart rate would not indicate fluid volume deficit.
4. Sunken fontanelles in an infant: Fluid volume deficit in infants can cause dehydration, which can manifest as sunken fontanelles. Therefore, sunken fontanelles in an infant would indicate fluid volume deficit.