The nurse is caring for a client with hypovolemic shock. Which new assessment finding indicates to the nurse that interventions are currently effective?

A. While maintaining oxygen saturation is important, an unchanged SpO2 does not necessarily indicate that tissue perfusion and organ function are improving, which is the primary goal in treating hypovolemic shock. B. A mild increase in temperature is not a reliable indicator of improved perfusion or effectiveness of interventions in hypovolemic shock. Temperature can fluctuate for many reasons and is not specific to hemodynamic improvement. C. Improvement in mental status is a positive sign, but it may lag behind biochemical and hemodynamic recovery and alone does not provide the most objective evidence that interventions are working. D. Serum lactate is a key marker of tissue hypoxia and poor perfusion. In hypovolemic shock, lactate rises due to anaerobic metabolism. Declining lactate indicates that tissue oxygen delivery is improving and perfusion is being restored. Similarly, correcting hypovolemia often stabilizes electrolyte imbalances, including potassium. Objective improvements in laboratory values provide clear evidence that fluid resuscitation, oxygen therapy, and other interventions are effective.