A patient with acute GI bleeding is receiving normal saline IV at a rate of 500 ml/hr. Which assessment data obtained by the nurse are most important to communicate immediately to the health care provider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's lung sounds indicate that pulmonary edema may be developing as a result of the rapid infusion of IV fluid and that the fluid infusion rate should be slowed. The return of coffee-ground material in an NG tube is expected for a patient with upper GI bleeding. The BP is slightly elevated but would not be an indication to contact the health care provider immediately. Hyperactive bowel sounds are common when a patient has GI bleeding.

A Patient with Acute GI Bleeding Is Receiving Normal Saline