Question

The patient has been admitted to the hospital with nausea and vomiting that started 5 days earlier. His blood pressure is 80/44 mm Hg and heart rate is 122 beats/min; he has not voided in 8 hours and his bladder is not distended. The nurse anticipates an order for "stat" administration of:

a. a blood transfusion.
b. fluid replacement with 0.45% saline.
c. infusion of an inotropic agent.
d. an antiemetic.

Answer 1

The nurse would anticipate an order for "stat" fluid replacement with an isotonic solution to restore circulating volume and correct the patient's hypotension, which is likely due to dehydration from prolonged nausea and vomiting.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient who has been admitted to the hospital with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and concerning urine output likely presents with signs of shock, possibly hypovolemic shock due to dehydration. The dehydration could be a result of the nausea and vomiting that started 5 days earlier, as patients with these symptoms for an extended period are at risk of dehydration and its subsequent complications. Considering the patient's vital signs and the absence of a distended bladder, the nurse would anticipate an order for "stat" administration of fluid replacement with an isotonic solution such as 0.9% saline to quickly restore circulating volume and correct hypotension. An isotonic solution is used instead of a 0.45% saline, which is hypotonic, to ensure that the restoration of blood volume is effective in correcting the patient's hemodynamic status