A nurse and a newly licensed nurse are providing care for a client who has distributive shock. How should the nurse explain the pathophysiology of distributive shock to the newly licensed nurse?
"Distributive shock occurs due to loss of myocardial contractility."
"Distributive shock occurs due to loss of blood volume."
"Distributive shock occurs due to systemic vasodilation."
"Distributive shock occurs due to increased systemic vascular resistance."
The Correct Answer is C
A. "Distributive shock occurs due to loss of myocardial contractility": This statement is incorrect. Distributive shock is not primarily caused by loss of myocardial contractility. Instead, distributive shock is characterized by widespread vasodilation, which leads to inadequate tissue perfusion despite normal or high cardiac output.
B. "Distributive shock occurs due to loss of blood volume": This statement is inaccurate. Distributive shock is not primarily caused by loss of blood volume. While hypovolemia (loss of blood volume) can lead to shock, distributive shock specifically involves excessive vasodilation, resulting in a relative hypovolemia due to pooling of blood in the expanded vascular bed.
C. "Distributive shock occurs due to systemic vasodilation": This statement is correct. Distributive shock, also known as vasodilatory shock, occurs due to widespread vasodilation of the systemic vasculature. This vasodilation leads to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance, which results in the redistribution of blood flow away from vital organs and tissues, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and shock.
D. "Distributive shock occurs due to increased systemic vascular resistance": This statement is incorrect. Distributive shock is characterized by decreased systemic vascular resistance due to vasodilation, not increased systemic vascular resistance. Increased systemic vascular resistance is more commonly associated with conditions such as hypertension or obstructive shock.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The heart's electrical transmission through the atrioventricular (AV) node is unusually slow: This statement does not align with the manifestations of dizziness and palpitations in atrial fibrillation. A slow conduction through the AV node would typically manifest as bradycardia or heart block rather than rapid and irregular palpitations.
B. The heart's electrical signals are rapid, chaotic, and irregular: This is the correct answer. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by rapid, chaotic, and irregular electrical signals in the atria, leading to ineffective atrial contractions and an irregular ventricular response. The irregularity and rapidity of the heart rate can lead to symptoms such as palpitations and dizziness.
C. An early electrical signal occurs before the expected sinoatrial (SA) node signal: This statement does not accurately describe the mechanism of atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation involves disorganized electrical activity in the atria, rather than a single early electrical signal.
D. The SA node sends an electrical signal greater than 100/min: While a heart rate greater than 100/min (tachycardia) is commonly associated with atrial fibrillation, this statement does not fully explain the manifestations of dizziness and palpitations. These symptoms are more directly related to the irregularity and chaotic nature of the heart's electrical signals in atrial fibrillation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Myopia: Myopia refers to nearsightedness, which is caused by refractive errors in the eye and is not associated with Meniere's disease. Myopia results in difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
B. Vertigo: Vertigo is a hallmark symptom of Meniere's disease and is caused by an excessive accumulation of endolymph fluid in the inner ear. Vertigo presents as a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and imbalance.
C. Photophobia: Photophobia refers to sensitivity to light, which can be associated with various eye conditions but is not a typical manifestation of Meniere's disease. Photophobia may occur in conditions such as migraine headaches or certain eye infections.
D. Presbycusis: Presbycusis refers to age-related hearing loss, which typically occurs gradually over time and is not directly associated with Meniere's disease. Meniere's disease is characterized by sudden episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear.
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