The nurse is caring for a patient who is admitted with gastrointestinal bleeding and whose blood pressure is 140/80 mm Hg, pulse 72 beats/minute, respirations 14 breaths/minute, and temperature 98.8°F (37.1°C). What finding should be reported to the RN or physician immediately?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A sudden drop in blood pressure in a patient with gastrointestinal bleeding can be a sign of severe hemorrhage and should be reported immediately to the RN or physician. The patient's current blood pressure reading of 140/80 mm Hg is already elevated, but a drop to 104/68 mm Hg would indicate a significant change that requires attention. Pulse rate and crampy abdominal pain are important to monitor and report, but a sudden drop in blood pressure takes priority in this situation. Occult blood in the stool is expected in a patient with gastrointestinal bleeding and should be addressed, but it is not an urgent finding that requires immediate attention.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Admitted