Which assessment finding indicates that a client with oliguria due to sepsis is stabilizing?

A urine output of 40 mL/hour indicates that the client's renal function is beginning to improve and is an important sign of stabilization in a patient experiencing oliguria due to sepsis. Adequate urine output is a vital sign of kidney perfusion and overall fluid balance in the body. In a clinical context, urine output less than 30 mL/hour is often used as a critical threshold for oliguria, while an increase in urine output beyond this threshold suggests that the kidneys are responding to treatment and that the patient's condition may be improving.

In contrast, the other assessment findings reflect more concerning issues. An apical pulse of 100 beats per minute, coupled with a blood pressure of 76/42 mmHg, indicates tachycardia and hypotension, which are typically signs of severe sepsis and suggest that the patient is still unstable. Similarly, a urine specific gravity of 1.001 indicates extremely dilute urine, which can suggest poor concentration ability of the kidneys, possibly due to ongoing renal impairment or significant fluid overload. Lastly, tented skin on the dorsal surface of the hands can indicate dehydration or poor skin turgor, which is often associated with hypovolemia or dehydration, both of which are critical signs in a