A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who has internal injuries from a car crash. The client is disoriented to time and place, diaphoretic, and his lips are cyanotic. The nurse should anticipate which of the following findings as an indication of hypovolemic shock?
Widening pulse pressure
Increased heart rate
Increased deep tendon reflexes
Pulse oximetry 96%
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect. Widening pulse pressure is not a sign of hypovolemic shock, but rather of increased intracranial pressure or aortic regurgitation. Hypovolemic shock causes narrowing pulse pressure due to decreased stroke volume and increased peripheral resistance.
Choice B Reason: This is correct. Increased heart rate is a sign of hypovolemic shock, as the body tries to compensate for the decreased blood volume and cardiac output by increasing the heart rate and contractility.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect. Increased deep tendon reflexes are not a sign of hypovolemic shock, but rather of hyperreflexia or tetany. Hypovolemic shock causes decreased deep tendon reflexes due to reduced perfusion and oxygenation of the muscles and nerves.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect. Pulse oximetry 96% is not a sign of hypovolemic shock, but rather of normal oxygen saturation. Hypovolemic shock causes decreased pulse oximetry due to hypoxia and impaired gas exchange.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Ask the client to shrug his shoulders against passive resistance is not an assessment that will give the nurse information about the function of cranial nerve III. This assessment will test the function of cranial nerve XI, which is the accessory nerve. The accessory nerve innervates the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, which are involved in shoulder and neck movements.
Choice B: Instruct the client to look up and down without moving his head is an assessment that will give the nurse information about the function of cranial nerve III. Cranial nerve III is the oculomotor nerve, which innervates four of the six extraocular muscles that control eye movements. The oculomotor nerve also controls pupil size and lens shape. By instructing the client to look up and down without moving his head, the nurse can assess the ability of the oculomotor nerve to move the eyes vertically and adjust to different distances.
Choice C: Observe the client's ability to smile and frown is not an assessment that will give the nurse information about the function of cranial nerve III. This assessment will test the function of cranial nerve VII, which is the facial nerve. The facial nerve innervates the muscles of facial expression, which are involved in smiling, frowning, blinking, and other facial movements.
Choice D: Have the client stand with his eyes closed and touch his nose is not an assessment that will give the nurse information about the function of cranial nerve III. This assessment will test the function of cranial nerve VIII, which is the vestibulocochlear nerve. The vestibulocochlear nerve innervates the inner ear and is responsible for hearing and balance. By having the client stand with his eyes closed and touch his nose, the nurse can assess the ability of the vestibulocochlear nerve to maintain equilibrium and coordination.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because the results are not within the expected reference range. The client's BUN, creatinine, and hematocrit are elevated, indicating dehydration or reduced renal perfusion.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because evaluating urine for amount and for specific gravity can help assess the client's hydration status and renal function. These actions can help assess the client's hydration status and renal function, which may be affected by nausea and vomiting. The client's BUN, creatinine, and hematocrit are elevated, indicating dehydration or reduced renal perfusion. The normal ranges for BUN are 7 to 20 mg/dL, for creatinine are
0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL, and for hematocrit are 38% to 50% for males. The nurse should monitor the urine output and specific gravity, which reflect the concentration and volume of urine. The normal range for urine output is 30 to 60 mL/hour, and for specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.030.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because collecting a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity is not indicated for this client. This action is used to diagnose urinary tract infections, which are not suggested by the client's symptoms or results.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because decreasing the IV fluid infusion rate and limiting oral fluid intake can worsen the client's dehydration and renal perfusion. The nurse should maintain adequate fluid intake and balance to prevent further complications.
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