A nurse is caring for a client who has a high fever and is at risk for fluid volume deficit. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following signs of fluid loss?

Choice A reason:

This statement is correct. Fluids and electrolytes help transport nutrients and oxygen to the cells by maintaining blood volume and pressure. They also help maintain the acid-base balance of the blood and other body fluids.

Choice B reason:

This statement is correct. Fluids and electrolytes help regulate body temperature by allowing heat to be distributed evenly throughout the body and by facilitating sweating, which cools the body. They also help lubricate the joints by providing synovial fluid, which reduces friction and inflammation.

Choice C reason:

This statement is correct. Fluids and electrolytes help digest food by providing saliva, gastric juice, bile, pancreatic juice, and intestinal secretions, which break down food and absorb nutrients. They also help excrete wastes from the body by forming urine, feces, sweat, and breath, which eliminate excess fluids, electrolytes, toxins, and carbon dioxide.

Choice D reason:

This statement indicates a need for further teaching. Fluids and electrolytes do not help increase body fat or lower blood pressure. Body fat is determined by the balance between calorie intake and expenditure, not by fluid intake. Blood pressure is influenced by many factors, such as cardiac output, vascular resistance, blood volume, and hormone levels, not by fluid intake alone. Fluid intake can affect blood pressure only if it causes overhydration or dehydration, which are both abnormal conditions that should be avoided.

Choice A reason: Feeling thirsty all the time is a sign of dehydration, not fluid loss. Dehydration occurs when the body does not have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. Dehydration can be caused by excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or decreased water intake.

Choice B reason:

Gaining 2 pounds since yesterday is a sign of fluid retention, not fluid loss. Fluid retention occurs when the body holds on to extra water and salt in the tissues or blood vessels. Fluid retention can be caused by heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, hormonal changes, or certain medications.

Choice C reason:

Having trouble breathing when lying down is a sign of orthopnea, not fluid loss. Orthopnea is a condition where a person feels short of breath when lying flat. Orthopnea can be caused by heart failure, lung disease, obesity, or sleep apnea.

Choice D reason:

Feeling dizzy when standing up is a sign of orthostatic hypotension, which is a possible sign of fluid loss. Orthostatic hypotension is a condition where the blood pressure drops when changing position from lying or sitting to standing. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Orthostatic hypotension can be caused by hypovolemia, which is a decrease in the volume of blood in the body due to fluid loss. Fluid loss can occur from bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or burns.