Question

Which of the following assessment findings or techniques would prove MOST useful when determining the extent of internal volume loss?

A. Resting blood pressure
B. Temperature of the skin
C. Orthostatic vital signs
D. Duration of the illness

Answer 1

Orthostatic vital signs are the most useful assessment for determining internal volume loss, as they measure blood pressure and heart rate changes with different positions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Determining the Extent of Internal Volume Loss

When determining the extent of internal volume loss, Orthostatic vital signs would prove most useful. This assessment involves measuring blood pressure and heart rate upon lying, sitting, and standing. Significant changes in blood pressure and heart rate with position changes can indicate internal volume loss, such as in the case of hypovolemia where there is a decrease in the circulating blood volume. Although resting blood pressure, the temperature of the skin, and the duration of the illness provide valuable information about a patient's health status, they do not directly measure the body's response to changes in position which is more indicative of volume status.