The nurse is completing a routine urinalysis using a dipstick. The test reveals an increased specific gravity. The nurse should suspect which condition? Arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D) Decreased fluid intake Increased fluid intake Glomerulonephritis
When assessing a client with suspected dehydration, decreased blood pressure should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.
Decreased blood pressure, especially if it indicates hypotension, can be a sign of severe dehydration, which can lead to hypovolemic shock. This is a critical condition where the body’s blood volume is too low to sustain normal blood pressure and organ function, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
While the other signs—tachycardia, dry skin, dry mucous membranes, and irritability—are also concerning and indicative of dehydration, decreased blood pressure is an urgent, more severe clinical finding that requires immediate medical attention.