Final answer:
In nontrauma patients, an early indicator of internal bleeding is increased respiratory rate. This response is part of the body's compensation for blood loss, typically accompanied by low blood pressure and signs of shock.
Step-by-step explanation:
In nontrauma patients, an early indicator of internal bleeding is C) Increased respiratory rate. This physiological response is due to the body's attempt to compensate for the loss of blood by increasing oxygen delivery to the tissues. When there's internal bleeding, the body may not have enough circulating blood to function properly, leading to lowered blood pressure (hypotension) and an increased heart and respiratory rate as it tries to maintain adequate oxygenation and perfusion.
For example, a patient arriving in the emergency department with a blood pressure of 70/45, confusion, and complaining of thirst is likely experiencing significant hypovolemia, which could be from internal bleeding or other causes of fluid loss. The low blood pressure and confusion are signs of shock, and thirst indicates that the body is aware of the need for fluid replacement.