A nurse is assessing a client who gave birth 12 hours ago and is experiencing excessive vaginal bleeding.Which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing decreased cardiac output?

Choice A rationaleBradycardia, or a heart rate below 60 beats per minute, is inconsistent with decreased cardiac output in this context. Tachycardia is a more typical compensatory response to significant blood loss postpartum.Choice B rationaleA flushed face is not a physiological indicator of decreased cardiac output. Decreased cardiac output commonly leads to pallor and cool, clammy skin due to reduced peripheral perfusion.Choice C rationaleHypotension, defined as blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg, occurs due to reduced blood volume and cardiac output in excessive postpartum bleeding, impairing adequate perfusion to organs and tissues.Choice D rationalePolyuria, or excessive urination, does not directly indicate decreased cardiac output. Instead, oliguria or decreased urine output, often below 30 mL/hour, is a common sign of poor perfusion.