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A nurse assessing a client determines they are in the compensatory stage of shock. Which of the following findings support this conclusion?

A.

Blood pressure 84/50 mm Hg

B.

Petechiae

C.

Confusion

D.

Anuria

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. A blood pressure of 84/50 mm Hg is more consistent with the progressive stage of shock, where compensation is failing.
B. Petechiae may be seen in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a complication of severe shock, typically not in the compensatory stage.
C. Confusion is an early sign of impaired cerebral perfusion, which can occur in the compensatory stage of shock. It reflects the body’s efforts to maintain perfusion to vital organs despite declining cardiac output.
D. Anuria (no urine output) is a late finding, typically seen in the irreversible stage of shock, indicating complete renal failure.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Sick sinus syndrome – This involves an abnormal SA node function, often with varying rhythm disturbances (e.g., sinus pauses, bradycardia-tachycardia). The strip described is regular and does not reflect these changes.
B. Normal sinus rhythm – The rhythm is regular, the PR interval is within normal limits (0.12–0.20 seconds), the heart rate is 60 beats/min (within the normal range of 60–100), and P waves precede each QRS complex consistently.
C. Sinus bradycardia – Although the rate is 60, which is at the low end of normal, it is not below 60. Bradycardia is defined as <60 bpm.
D. First-degree heart block – First-degree AV block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval >0.20 seconds. The PR interval here is 0.16 seconds, which is normal.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Check temperature every 2 hours – While monitoring temperature is important, it is not the priority in cardiogenic shock, which primarily affects cardiac and respiratory function.
B. Auscultate and monitor breath sounds frequently – In cardiogenic shock, pulmonary congestion and fluid overload can develop rapidly due to impaired cardiac output, so frequent assessment of lung sounds is crucial to detect crackles or signs of pulmonary edema.
C. Maintain patient in supine position – A supine position may worsen pulmonary congestion; elevating the head of the bed is typically preferred to improve ventilation and comfort.
D. Assess skin for flushing and itching – This is more relevant in allergic or anaphylactic reactions, not cardiogenic shock.

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