A client with acute pancreatitis has a drop in blood pressure from (142/80) to (105/65) mm Hg at 2 hours after admission. The client has not voided and has become short of breath. The nurse would anticipate that the abnormal laboratory value consistent with these manifestations is
A) hypercalcemia.
B) hyperglycemia.
C) hypoalbuminemia.
D) hypokalemia.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fluid shifts to pleural and abdominal spaces have caused hypovolemia resulting from reduced blood proteins (albumin). The client will show hypoalbuminemia because of reduced blood proteins. This process is called "third spacing."

A Client with Acute Pancreatitis Has a Drop in Blood