A nurse is assessing a client who presents with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F), a heart rate of 110 beats per minute, and a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg.Which condition is the client most likely experiencing?
Septic shock.
Hypovolemic shock.
Cardiogenic shock.
Neurogenic shock.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Septic shock is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection, leading to vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, and hypotension. The patient’s elevated temperature, tachycardia, and hypotension are consistent with septic shock. In septic shock, the body’s response to infection leads to widespread inflammation and impaired tissue perfusion.
Choice B rationale
Hypovolemic shock is caused by a significant loss of blood or fluids, leading to decreased circulating volume and hypotension. While the patient’s hypotension and tachycardia could be consistent with hypovolemic shock, the elevated temperature suggests an infectious process, making septic shock more likely.
Choice C rationale
Cardiogenic shock is caused by the heart’s inability to pump effectively, leading to decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion. While hypotension and tachycardia are consistent with cardiogenic shock, the elevated temperature is not a typical finding. Cardiogenic shock is usually associated with conditions like myocardial infarction or severe heart failure.
Choice D rationale
Neurogenic shock is caused by a disruption in the autonomic pathways, leading to vasodilation and hypotension. It is typically associated with spinal cord injuries or severe head trauma. The patient’s elevated temperature and tachycardia are not consistent with neurogenic shock, making septic shock the more likely diagnosis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Septic shock is a severe infection leading to systemic inflammation, characterized by high fever (39°C), low blood pressure (90/60 mmHg), and signs of organ dysfunction. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
Cardiogenic shock is caused by the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively, leading to hypotension and signs of poor perfusion, but not necessarily high fever.
Choice C rationale
Neurogenic shock results from a disruption in the autonomic pathways, leading to hypotension and bradycardia, but not high fever.
Choice D rationale
Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction causing hypotension, respiratory distress, and other symptoms, but not typically high fever.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Meningitis presents with fever, stiff neck, and photophobia. It is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by infection.
Choice B rationale
Encephalitis involves inflammation of the brain itself, presenting with fever, headache, and altered mental status, but not specifically photophobia.
Choice C rationale
Migraine can cause photophobia and headache but is not typically associated with fever and stiff neck.
Choice D rationale
Sinusitis can cause fever and headache but not typically photophobia and stiff neck.
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