A nurse is assessing a client who has a heart rate of 56/min. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Cigarette smoking is associated with increased heart rate (tachycardia), hypertension, and vascular disease due to nicotine-induced sympathetic stimulation. It does not typically cause bradycardia, so it would not explain a heart rate of 56/min in a client. B. Hypoglycemia triggers the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in tachycardia, palpitations, tremors, and anxiety. It is not a common cause of bradycardia, so it is unlikely to account for the slowed heart rate observed in this client. C. A heart rate of 56/min indicates bradycardia (heart rate <60/min). Bradycardia can reduce cardiac output, leading to decreased perfusion of vital organs, especially the brain. This can manifest as dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, syncope, or confusion. Symptomatic bradycardia is clinically significant and may require further evaluation or intervention depending on the underlying cause, such as conduction abnormalities, medications (e.g., beta-blockers, digoxin), or increased vagal tone. D. Fever increases metabolic rate and oxygen demand, which typically triggers tachycardia as a compensatory mechanism. A high temperature would not cause a slow heart rate and, in fact, would generally mask bradycardia if present.