A nurse is caring for an 84-year-old male client in the medical unit.

The client was admitted from a provider’s office with complaints of fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. The nurse reviews the client’s medical records to prepare the client’s plan of care.

Exhibits

The client demonstrates mild orthostatic hypotension, with a drop in blood pressure upon standing.

Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s progress.

Choice A rationale

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a complication of acute pancreatitis, but it is not directly associated with Cullen’s sign. Cullen’s sign indicates periumbilical ecchymosis, which is a sign of internal bleeding.

Choice B rationale

Electrolyte imbalance can occur in acute pancreatitis, but it is not indicated by Cullen’s sign. Cullen’s sign specifically points to internal bleeding.

Choice C rationale

Internal bleeding is the correct answer. Cullen’s sign is a bluish discoloration around the umbilicus, indicating bleeding within the abdomen. This can occur in severe cases of acute pancreatitis due to hemorrhage.

Choice D rationale

Pleural effusion can be a complication of acute pancreatitis, but it is not indicated by Cullen’s sign. Cullen’s sign is specific to internal bleeding.

Choice A rationale

Fat neck veins are not a typical finding in a client with frequent vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration, which is common in such cases, usually leads to flat neck veins due to reduced intravascular volume.

Choice B rationale

Hypotension is a common finding in clients with frequent vomiting and diarrhea due to fluid loss and dehydration. The loss of fluids leads to a decrease in blood volume, resulting in low blood pressure.

Choice C rationale

Poor skin turgor is a classic sign of dehydration, which is expected in clients with frequent vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration causes the skin to lose its elasticity, leading to poor skin turgor.

Choice D rationale

Bradycardia is not typically associated with dehydration. In fact, dehydration often leads to tachycardia (increased heart rate) as the body tries to compensate for the reduced blood volume.

Choice E rationale

Pale yellow urine is not a typical finding in dehydration. Dehydration usually leads to concentrated urine, which is darker in color. Pale yellow urine indicates adequate hydration.