When evaluating fluid status, which of the following is a vital sign that should be assessed?

Get ready for your NACE Foundations of Nursing Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question provides hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Assessing daily weight is crucial in evaluating fluid status because fluctuations in weight can indicate changes in fluid retention or depletion. For instance, a sudden increase in weight may suggest fluid retention, often seen in conditions like heart failure or renal issues, while a significant decrease may indicate dehydration. Daily weights provide a direct and sensitive measure of fluid changes in the body, making them essential in monitoring patients' fluid status, particularly in those at risk for fluid imbalances.

Other vital signs, while important in a broader health assessment, do not directly provide information about fluid status. Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation levels and is more relevant to respiratory function. Respiratory rate can be influenced by many factors, but does not specifically indicate fluid balance. Temperature can indicate infection or inflammation but does not serve as a reliable indicator of a person's fluid status. Thus, recording daily weights is the most effective method among the options for monitoring fluid status.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy