Question

A nurse is completing an admission assessment for a client who reports vomiting and diarrhea for the past three days. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

1) Increased heart rate
2) Decreased blood pressure
3) Elevated body temperature
4) Decreased respiratory rate

Answer 1

The nurse should expect increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, elevated body temperature, and decreased respiratory rate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should expect the following findings:

1. Increased heart rate: Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can cause the heart rate to increase in order to compensate for the decreased blood volume.
2. Decreased blood pressure: Dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea can lead to a decrease in blood pressure.
3. Elevated body temperature: In some cases, an infection or inflammation may be the cause of vomiting and diarrhea, which can result in an elevated body temperature.
4. Decreased respiratory rate: While not directly related to vomiting and diarrhea, a severe case of dehydration can affect the electrolyte balance in the body, which may lead to respiratory changes.