A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for shock. Which of the following findings is the earliest indicator that this complication is developing?
Decreased level of consciousness
Increased respiratory rate
Hypotension
Anuria
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because a decreased level of consciousness is a late sign of shock, not an early one. Decreased level of consciousness indicates that the brain is not receiving enough oxygen and blood flow, which can lead to irreversible damage and death.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because increased respiratory rate is an early sign of shock, indicating hypoxia. This finding indicates that the client is experiencing hypoxia, which is a lack of oxygen in the tissues and organs. Hypoxia is a common and early sign of shock, which is a condition where the body's vital organs do not receive enough blood
flow and oxygen due to low blood pressure, low cardiac output, or low blood volume. The client's respiratory rate increases as a compensatory mechanism to increase oxygen intake and delivery.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because hypotension is a late sign of shock, not an early one. Hypotension indicates that the blood pressure is too low to maintain adequate perfusion and oxygenation to the vital organs.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because anuria is a late sign of shock, not an early one. Anuria indicates that the kidneys are not receiving enough blood flow and oxygen, which can result in acute kidney injury or failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect. Flushing of the skin is not a sign of hypovolemic shock, but rather of vasodilation or fever. Hypovolemic shock causes vasoconstriction and pale, cool, clammy skin.
Choice B Reason: This is correct. Oliguria is a decreased urine output that indicates reduced renal perfusion due to hypovolemia. The normal urine output for an adult is 0.5 to 1 mL/kg/hr.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect. Hypertension is not a sign of hypovolemic shock, but rather of increased vascular resistance or fluid overload. Hypovolemic shock causes hypotension due to decreased blood volume and cardiac output.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect. Bradypnea is a slow respiratory rate that indicates respiratory depression or fatigue. Hypovolemic shock causes tachypnea due to hypoxia and increased metabolic demand.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D. Blood pressure 115/68 mm Hg.
Choice A reason: Heart rate 180/min is incorrect because, although an increased heart rate is a compensatory mechanism, a rate of 180/min is excessively high and suggests a more severe stage of shock or other cardiac issues.
Choice B reason: Mottled skin is incorrect as it indicates poor perfusion seen in decompensated shock, where organ dysfunction begins to manifest, not in the compensatory stage.
Choice C reason: Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is incorrect because electrolyte imbalances are not typically a finding in the compensatory stage of shock. Normal potassium levels range from 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Choice D reason: Blood pressure 115/68 mm Hg is correct because it falls within the normal blood pressure range, which the body strives to maintain during the compensatory stage of shock through various mechanisms.
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