The blood pressure of an intensive care patient was low but is now increasing to near normal level. If the patient's baroreceptors are functioning appropriately, which of the following will the nurse assess in this patient?

Question

1. peripheral edema
2. decreased level of consciousness
3. reduced urine output
4. weak hand grasps

Answer 1

3

Rationale: Arterial baroreceptors are located in the arch of the aorta and carotid sinus. These receptors detect arterial pressure changes. When they sense a decrease in arterial blood pressure, they signal the autonomic nervous system which will cause peripheral vasoconstriction to raise the blood pressure. Vasoconstriction of the renal arteries decreases glomerular filtration which will reduce the urine output. This is what the nurse will assess in this patient. The other choices will not necessarily be assessed in the patient with a low blood pressure.