Which assessment finding would indicate that a patient is experiencing hypovolemia?

The presence of tachycardia and decreased urinary output is indicative of hypovolemia, as these findings suggest the body is responding to low blood volume. When a patient is hypovolemic, the body attempts to compensate for the reduced blood volume by increasing the heart rate (tachycardia). This compensatory mechanism is aimed at maintaining adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs despite the lower volume of circulating blood.

Additionally, decreased urinary output is a response to hypovolemia. The kidneys recognize the decreased blood volume and retain fluid to help maintain blood pressure and perfusion to critical organs. This results in a reduction of urine output as the body attempts to conserve fluid.

These two signs are direct reflections of the body’s compensatory mechanisms in the face of hypovolemia, distinguishing them from other assessment findings that are more related to other conditions or complications.