ATI Capstone Comprehensive Assessment B Related

Review ATI Capstone Comprehensive Assessment B related questions and content

When administering IV fluids to a dehydrated patient, what is the nurse's priority assessment?

  • A. Monitor the patient's electrolyte levels.
  • B. Assess the patient's blood pressure regularly.
  • C. Monitor the patient's heart rate every 4 hours.
  • D. Check the patient's urine output hourly.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's blood pressure regularly. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial when administering IV fluids to a dehydrated patient as it helps in evaluating the patient's fluid status. Changes in blood pressure can indicate the effectiveness of the fluid therapy, the patient's response to treatment, and the possibility of complications such as fluid overload or hypovolemia. Monitoring electrolyte levels (Choice A) is essential but not the priority when assessing a dehydrated patient receiving IV fluids. Heart rate (Choice C) should be monitored more frequently than every 4 hours in such a situation. Checking urine output (Choice D) is important but not as critical as assessing blood pressure in this scenario.