The nurse is assessing a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which finding would the nurse expect to observe? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

Let’s calculate the IV infusion rate step by step.

Step 1: Determine the total volume to be infused.

The total volume ordered is 1,000 mL.

Step 2: Determine the total time for the infusion.

The total time is 8 hours.

Step 3: Calculate the infusion rate in mL per hour.

Total volume (1,000 mL) ÷ Total time (8 hours) = 125 mL per hour.

Result: 125

Step 4: Determine the drop factor.

The IV tubing delivers 15 drops per milliliter.

Step 5: Calculate the infusion rate in drops per minute.

Infusion rate (125 mL per hour) × Drop factor (15 drops per mL) = 1,875 drops per hour.

Result: 1,875

Step 6: Convert the infusion rate to drops per minute.

Total drops per hour (1,875 drops) ÷ 60 minutes = 31.25 drops per minute.

Result: 31.25

Step 7: Round the result to the nearest whole number if necessary.

31.25 rounded to the nearest whole number is 31.

The nurse should run the IV infusion at a rate of 31 drops per minute.

Choice A: Tachycardia

Tachycardia, defined as a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute, can affect the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings. When the heart beats too quickly, it may not fill with enough blood between beats, leading to reduced perfusion and oxygen delivery to tissues. However, while tachycardia can influence the readings, it is not the most significant factor compared to hypotension.

Choice B: Hypotension

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, significantly impacts pulse oximetry accuracy. When blood pressure is low, there is reduced perfusion to peripheral tissues, including the extremities where pulse oximeters are typically placed. This reduced perfusion can lead to inaccurate readings, as the device may not detect sufficient blood flow to measure oxygen saturation accurately. Hypotension is a critical factor that can alter pulse oximetry values, making it the most relevant choice.

Choice C: Tachypnea

Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, can affect oxygen levels in the blood but does not directly interfere with the pulse oximeter’s ability to measure oxygen saturation. While it indicates respiratory distress and can lead to hypoxemia, the pulse oximeter can still provide accurate readings unless accompanied by other factors like low perfusion.

Choice D: Fever

Fever can cause peripheral vasodilation, which might theoretically affect pulse oximetry readings by altering blood flow to the extremities. However, this effect is generally minimal compared to the impact of hypotension. Fever alone is unlikely to cause significant inaccuracies in pulse oximetry measurements.