Final answer:
Decreased blood pressure is expected in a patient who hemorrhaged after surgery due to the risk of hypovolemic shock caused by blood volume loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse would expect to see decreased blood pressure in a patient who hemorrhaged after surgery, as blood loss can lead to hypovolemic shock. This is a potentially life-threatening condition where the circulatory system cannot maintain adequate blood flow, leading to insufficient oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues. Signs of hypovolemic shock include rapid heartbeat, weak pulse, cold extremities, rapid breathing, low urine output, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Blood volume loss due to hemorrhage is a common cause of hypovolemic shock. Treatment generally involves providing intravenous fluids and sometimes medications like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine to elevate blood pressure.