Which symptom may indicate impending hypovolemic shock in a post-operative patient after major abdominal surgery?

• A. Bounding radial and femoral pulses
• B. Client reports thirst
• C. Urine output 1000 mL in 8 hours
• D. Oral temperature 101°F (38.3°C)

Answer: (B)

Thirst reflects a drop in circulating blood volume (hypovolemia) and is an early warning sign that the body is attempting to restore intravascular volume. After major abdominal surgery, blood loss and fluid shifts can reduce venous return, and the hypothalamus triggers thirst to prompt fluid intake. This makes thirst a meaningful cue that the patient may be moving toward hypovolemic shock.

Bounding pulses would not fit this scenario because they suggest adequate or excess volume or vasodilation, not the reduced perfusion seen with early hypovolemia. A urine output of 1000 mL in 8 hours shows adequate renal perfusion and fluid status; in shock, urine output typically falls due to decreased renal perfusion. An oral temperature of 101°F indicates fever, which can occur postoperatively for infection or inflammatory reasons, but it does not specifically indicate impending hypovolemic shock.