An older adult patient who has colorectal cancer is receiving IV fluids at 175 mL/hour in conjunction with the prescribed chemotherapy. Which finding by the nurse is most important to report to the health care provider?
a. Patient complains of severe fatigue.
b. Patient needs to void every hour during the day.
c. Patient takes only 50% of meals and refuses snacks.
d. Patient has audible crackles to the midline posterior chest.
ANS: D
Rapid fluid infusions may cause heart failure, especially in older patients. The other findings are common in patients who have cancer and/or are receiving chemotherapy.
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