Final answer:
The nurse should anticipate a decreased cardiac output due to hemodynamic alteration, considering the negative factors that impact heart contractility, such as changes in electrolyte levels, anoxia, and acidosis which all could diminish stroke volume and cardiac output.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking what hemodynamic alteration a nurse should anticipate. When considering this, we must distinguish between factors that positively or negatively affect heart contractility and understand how these factors influence stroke volume and cardiac output (CO). For instance, factors like sympathetic stimulation, epinephrine, norepinephrine, thyroid hormones, and increased calcium levels can positively impact contractility and increase CO and blood pressure. On the other hand, factors like parasympathetic stimulation, variations in potassium levels, decreased calcium levels, anoxia, and acidosis can negatively affect contractility and reduce CO and blood pressure.
To describe the cardiac response to variations in blood flow and pressure, we must consider the role of baroreceptors which detect changes in blood pressure, signaling the heart to adjust its rate and contractility. If blood volume decreases, for instance, from water loss, baroreceptors in the carotid arteries and aorta detect the lowered pressure and the heart compensates by increasing its contraction rate and force.
Considering these physiological principles, the nurse should anticipate a decreased cardiac output in a situation of hemodynamic instability where factors negatively impacting heart contractility are at play.