What is an indication that the treatment of 1 L of 0.9% sodium chloride was successful for a post-op client with fluid volume deficit?

A decrease in heart rate is an indication that the treatment with 1 L of 0.9% sodium chloride was successful for a post-operative client experiencing fluid volume deficit. When a patient has a fluid volume deficit, the body may compensate by increasing the heart rate to maintain adequate cardiac output and blood pressure. Once fluid is administered and adequate perfusion is restored, the heart rate typically decreases as the body no longer needs to compensate for the low volume.

In the context of successful treatment, a decrease in heart rate signifies that the patient's cardiovascular system is stabilizing, effectively indicating an improvement in their overall fluid status. This outcome is consistent with the expected physiological response following the correction of fluid deficit, where sufficient fluid volume allows normal heart function to resume.

Other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not directly indicate successful treatment of fluid volume deficit in the same way. For instance, an increase in hematocrit might suggest dehydration or a concentration of red blood cells relative to plasma. An increase in respiratory rate could reflect various factors, including stress or discomfort rather than fluid status. Lastly, while a decrease in capillary refill time can suggest improved circulation, in this scenario, the most definitive indicator is the decrease in heart rate as a marker of fluid