A nurse is collecting data from a patient who has hypocalcemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is choice B. Raise the head of the bed.

Choice A rationale:

Increasing the patient’s oral fluid intake is important for hydration and thinning secretions, but it is not the immediate priority when oxygen saturation is critically low.

Choice B rationale:

Raising the head of the bed helps improve lung expansion and facilitates easier breathing, which can quickly improve oxygen saturation levels. This is a critical first step in managing low oxygen saturation.

Choice C rationale:

Initiating humidified oxygen therapy is essential for improving oxygenation, but it should follow the immediate action of raising the head of the bed to optimize breathing.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the patient to cough and deep breathe is beneficial for clearing secretions and improving lung function, but it is not the first action to take when oxygen saturation is critically low.

Choice A reason: Peripheral edema is typically associated with fluid overload, not hypovolemia, which is a decreased volume of circulating blood in the body.

Choice B reason: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not commonly associated with hypovolemia. Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, may occur as the body atempts to compensate for the reduced blood volume.

Choice C reason: Cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen, is not a direct sign of hypovolemia.

Choice D reason: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a common finding in hypovolemia as there is less blood circulating through the body.