The nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with gastrointestinal bleeding. Which finding should alert the nurse that the patient's condition is deteriorating?
1. The patient reports feeling very tired.
2. Urinary output has increased over the previous hour to 50 mL.
3. The patient's skin is warm and dry.
4. Capillary refill time has increased.
Correct Answer: 1
Alterations in level of consciousness can signal an increase in blood loss. This warrants further investigation. Urinary output should remain greater than 30 mL per hour. Skin characteristics such as warmth and dryness are normal. Capillary refill time decreases, not increases, with increased blood loss.
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