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    ATI wellness and selfcare proctored exam (fundamentals)
    Select All That Apply

    A nurse is caring for a client who has exercise-induced dehydration. Which of the following are findings associated with this diagnosis? (Select all that apply.)

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Lethargy is a common symptom of dehydration because reduced circulating blood volume decreases oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, including the brain. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating. Exercise-induced dehydration exacerbates these effects due to fluid loss through sweat, increasing the risk of mental and physical fatigue. B. When the body loses fluids, the heart compensates by increasing its rate to maintain cardiac output and adequate tissue perfusion. This is a typical physiological response during the early stages of dehydration, particularly in conditions involving fluid loss from exercise or sweating. Persistent tachycardia may also indicate more severe fluid deficit. C. Skin turgor reflects the elasticity and hydration status of the skin. In dehydration, the loss of body water reduces skin elasticity, causing the skin to remain “tented” when pinched. This is a reliable clinical sign, especially in older adults or those who have experienced significant fluid loss. D. Dehydration generally leads to hypotension because reduced blood volume lowers vascular pressure. Blood pressure may be normal initially due to compensatory mechanisms, but significant fluid loss eventually causes low blood pressure rather than elevation. E. Dehydration triggers oliguria, a decrease in urine output, as the kidneys conserve water to maintain homeostasis. Polyuria, or excessive urination, is not expected in dehydration and would suggest another condition, such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or diuretic use.

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