RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 221 of 2368

Which set of findings is characteristic of fluid volume deficit?

  1. Decreased blood pressure, elevated heart rate and a weak, thready pulse
  2. Elevated blood pressure, slow heart rate and a full pulse
  3. Elevated blood pressure and bounding pulses
  4. Normal blood pressure with crackles in the lower lungs
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Correct answer: Decreased blood pressure, elevated heart rate and a weak, thready pulse

Fluid volume excess causes high blood pressure and bounding pulses. Deficit causes low blood pressure, fast heart rate and a weak, thready pulse.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Fluids and Electrolytes: Objective Assessment. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026