A nurse is assessing a client who has a fluid volume deficit. The nurse should expect which of the following findings?

Choice A reason:
While examining the client for areas of skin breakdown is an important part of ongoing care, especially for clients with spinal cord injuries who are at increased risk for pressure ulcers, it is not the first action to take when autonomic dysreflexia is suspected. Skin breakdown is not an immediate life-threatening issue compared to the potential complications of autonomic dysreflexia.

Choice B reason:
Checking the client's bladder for distention is a critical step in the management of autonomic dysreflexia, as an overfull bladder is a common trigger for this condition. However, the very first action should be to place the client in a sitting position to lower blood pressure, which can be dangerously high during an episode of autonomic dysreflexia.

Choice C reason:
Checking for fecal impaction is another important intervention for managing autonomic dysreflexia, as an impacted bowel can also trigger an episode. However, similar to checking for bladder distention, this is not the first action to take. Immediate measures to lower blood pressure are prioritized for the safety of the client.

Choice D reason:
Placing the client in a sitting position, or elevating the head of the bed to at least 45 degrees, is the first and most critical action when autonomic dysreflexia is suspected. This position helps to lower blood pressure by promoting venous return to the heart and can prevent complications such as stroke from the sudden hypertension associated with autonomic dysreflexia.

Choice A reason: Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not typically an expected finding in hypovolemic shock. In fact, one would expect the opposite, hypotension, due to the decreased circulating blood volume. Hypertension might be present in the initial stages due to compensatory mechanisms, but as the condition progresses, blood pressure usually drops.

Choice B reason: Bradypnea
Bradypnea, or abnormally slow breathing, is not a common finding in hypovolemic shock. Instead, tachypnea, or rapid breathing, may be observed as the body attempts to compensate for reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.

Choice C reason: Oliguria
Oliguria, or low urine output, is an expected finding in hypovolemic shock. As the blood volume decreases, the kidneys receive less blood flow, leading to reduced urine production. This is a protective mechanism to conserve body fluids, but it also indicates the severity of fluid loss and the need for urgent intervention.

Choice D reason: Flushing of the skin
Flushing of the skin is not an expected finding in hypovolemic shock. Instead, the skin may appear pale, cool, and clammy due to vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to the periphery as the body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs.