A patient is being treated on the mental health unit for an anxiety disorder. The patient approaches the nurse and reports feeling dizzy and weak, with a sensation of a racing heart. The nursing care plan includes interventions of imagery exercises and as-needed lorazepam (Ativan) for symptoms of anxiety. What should the nurse do first?

Choice A reason: A bounding pulse can indicate fluid volume excess, as the heart works harder to pump the increased volume.

Choice B reason: Elevated temperature is not specifically indicative of fluid volume excess and can be related to various conditions.

Choice C reason: Warmth at the IV site may indicate an infection or inflammation, not necessarily fluid volume excess.

Choice D reason: Profuse sweating is not typically a sign of fluid volume excess; instead, it may indicate dehydration or other conditions.

Choice E reason: Crackles in the lungs can indicate fluid overload, especially in the context of excessive IV fluid administration.

Choice A reason: Neuroticism is a personality trait characterized by anxiety, fear, moodiness, worry, envy, frustration, jealousy, and loneliness. It does not involve pretending to be ill.

Choice B reason: Psychosis refers to a mental disorder in which thought and emotions are so impaired that contact is lost with external reality. It is not associated with deliberately pretending to be ill.

Choice C reason: Malingering is the act of exaggerating or feigning illness for a secondary gain, such as financial compensation or avoidance of work.

Choice D reason: Hypochondriasis is a condition in which a person is excessively and unduly worried about having a serious illness. It does not involve deliberately pretending to be ill.