A nurse is assessing a client who has bradycardia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Rationale: A. Anxiety is incorrect because bradycardia is generally associated with decreased cardiac output rather than sympathetic overactivity. Anxiety is more often observed with tachycardia or conditions that increase heart rate. B. Lightheadedness is correct because bradycardia, defined as a heart rate below 60 beats per minute in adults, can reduce cardiac output and decrease perfusion to vital organs, particularly the brain. When the brain receives less blood flow, the client may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting (syncope), fatigue, or confusion. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of bradycardia, the client’s baseline cardiovascular status, and whether the slow heart rate is acute or chronic. In some clients, especially well-conditioned athletes, bradycardia may be asymptomatic because their hearts compensate with more effective stroke volume. C. Elevated temperature is incorrect because fever usually causes an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) as the body meets higher metabolic demands. Bradycardia is not a typical physiological response to fever. D. Fluid volume deficit is also incorrect as hypovolemia generally leads to compensatory tachycardia, not bradycardia, in an attempt to maintain cardiac output and blood pressure. While severe hypovolemia can affect heart rhythm, it is not an expected or primary manifestation of bradycardia.