A client with a history of a bilateral adrenalectomy is admitted with a weak, irregular pulse, and hypotension. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

Rationale: A. Decreased urinary output: While decreased output may signal fluid imbalance or poor perfusion, it is not as immediately life-threatening as a cardiac arrhythmia. It should be monitored, but other findings take precedence in an acute setting. B. Profound weight gain: Rapid weight gain suggests fluid retention, possibly from corticosteroid imbalance, but it does not pose an immediate danger compared to cardiac instability. It requires intervention but is not emergent. C. Low blood glucose levels: Hypoglycemia is common after adrenalectomy due to cortisol deficiency and must be treated, but symptoms often develop gradually and are managed with glucose replacement. It is serious but not as acutely life-threatening as arrhythmias. D. Ventricular arrhythmias: This finding indicates severe electrolyte disturbances—especially hyperkalemia, which can occur after adrenalectomy due to aldosterone deficiency. It poses an immediate threat to cardiac function and requires urgent intervention.