While caring for a patient with a small bowel obstruction, the nurse assesses a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) of 1 mm Hg and hourly urine output of 5 ml. The nurse anticipates which therapeutic intervention?

A. Vasopressors are used to increase blood pressure in cases of hypotension due to vasodilation or shock. In this patient, the low PAOP and oliguria indicate intravascular volume depletion, not vasodilation. Administering vasopressors without correcting hypovolemia could worsen tissue perfusion and renal function. B. Diuretics are used to remove excess fluid in patients with fluid overload or elevated filling pressures. This patient has a PAOP of 1 mm Hg, indicating hypovolemia, and very low urine output, so diuretics would further reduce preload and worsen renal perfusion. C. Negative inotropes decrease myocardial contractility and are indicated in conditions with excessive cardiac workload or certain arrhythmias. This patient shows signs of low preload and hypoperfusion, so reducing contractility would be harmful. D. A PAOP of 1 mm Hg is critically low and indicates severe hypovolemia, likely causing decreased renal perfusion and oliguria. Administration of intravenous fluids is the appropriate intervention to restore intravascular volume, improve cardiac preload, enhance renal perfusion, and increase urine output. The nurse should monitor hemodynamics, urine output, and response to fluid therapy closely.