A nurse is attending to a patient who is receiving a unit of packed RBCs. The patient’s vital signs at 0800 and 0815 are given.

Heart rate of 110 bpm

Complete the following sentence using the list of options.

The patient exhibits symptoms of ________

Choice A rationale

Hypertension refers to high blood pressure, which is not directly indicated by the given vital signs.

Choice B rationale

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is also not directly indicated by the provided vital signs.

Choice C rationale

Tachycardia refers to a fast heart rate. If the patient’s heart rate increased significantly between 0800 and 0815, this could be a sign of tachycardia.

Choice D rationale

Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, would be indicated by a decrease in heart rate, which is not suggested by the given information.

Choice A rationale

This choice represents the ethical principle of autonomy, which respects the client’s rights and preferences in their healthcare decisions.

Choice B rationale

This choice demonstrates the ethical principle of fidelity, which involves keeping promises and commitments, such as honoring a DNR order.

Choice C rationale

This choice reflects the ethical principle of beneficence, which involves taking positive actions to help others and promote the well-being of clients.

Choice D rationale

This choice represents the ethical principle of veracity, which involves truth-telling. In this situation, the nurse is being truthful to the client about their cancer diagnosis, thus demonstrating veracity.