The nurse is assessing a patient recovering from surgery for abdominal compartment syndrome. Which of the following assessment findings could indicate a life- threatening condition may be developing in this patient?
1. blood pressure 146/88 mm Hg
2. complaints of chest pain and dyspnea
3. poor skin turgor
4. temperature 100.7 degrees Fahrenheit
2
Rationale: Complaints of chest pain and dyspnea are indicators of a life-threatening complication related to abdominal compartment syndrome since these symptoms may indicate that a pulmonary embolism has developed. A blood pressure of 146/88 should be carefully compared to baseline readings and the blood pressure should continue to be assessed frequently. Poor skin turgor is not an indicator of a life-threatening condition and may indicate that reperfusion of the abdomen is occurring. A temperature of 100.7 degrees Fahrenheit at this point does not indicate an acute infection.
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