A patient experiencing multisystem fluid volume deficit has tachycardia, pale, cool skin, and decreased urine output. The nurse realizes these findings are most likely a direct result of which process?
Effects of rapidly infused intravenous fluids.
The body's natural compensatory mechanisms.
Cardiac failure.
Pharmacological effects of a diuretic.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because effects of rapidly infused intravenous fluids are not the cause of the patient's findings, but a possible treatment. Rapidly infused intravenous fluids are used to restore fluid volume and prevent shock in patients with fluid volume deficit. Rapidly infused intravenous fluids can cause increased blood pressure, increased urine output, and decreased heart rate.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because the body's natural compensatory mechanisms are the cause of the patient's findings. The body tries to maintain homeostasis and perfusion in response to fluid volume deficit by activating the sympathetic nervous system, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and the antidiuretic hormone system. These mechanisms cause tachycardia, vasoconstriction, pale and cool skin, sodium and water retention, and decreased urine output.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because cardiac failure is not the cause of the patient's findings, but a possible complication. Cardiac failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Cardiac failure can result from prolonged fluid volume deficit, as the heart becomes overstressed and weakened by the increased workload and decreased perfusion. Cardiac failure can cause dyspnea, edema, fatigue, and cyanosis.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because pharmacological effects of a diuretic are not the cause of the patient's findings, but a possible cause of fluid volume deficit. A diuretic is a medication that increases urine output and excretion of sodium and water. A diuretic can cause fluid volume deficit if it is overdosed, misused, or taken with other medications that affect fluid balance. A diuretic can cause hypotension, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- Choice A Reason: This is correct because the client who has gastroenteritis and is febrile is likely to lose fluid through vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating. These losses can lead to dehydration, hypotension, and electrolyte imbalances. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, fluid intake and output, and weight, and administer fluids and electrolytes as ordered.
- Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because the client who has leftsided heart failure and has a BNP level of 600 pg/ml is likely to have fluid volume excess, not deficit. BNP is a hormone that is released by the heart when it is stretched by increased blood volume. A high BNP level indicates that the heart is failing to pump effectively and that fluid is accumulating in the lungs and other tissues. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory status, oxygen saturation, edema, and weight, and administer diuretics and other medications as ordered.
- Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because the client who has endstage renal failure and is scheduled for dialysis today is likely to have fluid volume excess, not deficit. Renal failure impairs the kidney's ability to excrete fluid and waste products, leading to fluid retention and azotemia. Dialysis is a procedure that removes excess fluid and toxins from the blood using an artificial membrane. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure, fluid intake and output, weight, and laboratory values, and prepare the client for dialysis as ordered.
- Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because the client who has been NPO since midnight for endoscopy is unlikely to have a significant fluid volume deficit, unless they have other risk factors or comorbidities. NPO means nothing by mouth, which is a common instruction before certain procedures or surgeries to prevent aspiration. Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the digestive tract. The nurse should verify the client's NPO status, check their consent form, and administer preoperative medications as ordered.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Hypertension is incorrect because it is not a common complication of hypocalcemia, which is a low level of calcium in the blood. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be caused by conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or preeclampsia.
Choice B: Drug toxicity is incorrect because it is not directly related to hypocalcemia, although some drugs can affect the calcium level in the blood. For example, loop diuretics can increase the urinary excretion of calcium, while bisphosphonates can inhibit the bone resorption of calcium.
Choice C: Other electrolyte disturbances is correct because hypocalcemia can be associated with other imbalances of electrolytes, such as magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. For example, hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium level, can impair the secretion and action of parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium balance.
Hyperphosphatemia, or high phosphorus level, can bind to calcium and lower its availability in the blood. Hypokalemia, or low potassium level, can increase the renal excretion of calcium.
Choice D: Visual disturbances is incorrect because it is not a typical manifestation of hypocalcemia, although severe hypocalcemia can affect the nervous system and cause confusion, hallucinations, or seizures. Visual disturbances can be caused by conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
