What should the critical care nurse expect to assess to determine if a fluid challenge provided to an 80-year-old patient had the intended effect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. The blood pressure would likely be higher following a fluid bolus. With a rapid increase of intravascular volume, an older patient's vascular system would respond with increased resistance, so the blood pressure would rise.
2. As the result of increased volume from the bolus, an older patient's heart would have to pump faster to accommodate for the increase in intravascular volume.
3. Skin turgor in an older patient is not a reliable clinical sign for improved renal perfusion.
4. A MAP of 70 mm Hg is correct and the intended outcome for an older adult. Adults over the age of 70 may require a higher MAP, perhaps as high as 100 mm Hg, to maintain adequate renal perfusion.

What Should the Critical Care Nurse Expect to Assess to Determine