A nurse is planning care for a client who has dementia and lives at home. Which of the following physiological changes should the nurse educate the client and family to monitor?

A. The client develops bradycardia and bradypnea: Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and bradypnea (slow breathing rate) may indicate a slowing down of bodily functions but are not typical manifestations of postoperative shock. In postoperative shock, the body's compensatory mechanisms often lead to tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and tachypnea (rapid breathing rate) as the body tries to maintain perfusion.

B. The client has metabolic alkalosis and warm extremities: Metabolic alkalosis and warm extremities are not typically associated with postoperative shock. In shock, metabolic acidosis is more common due to tissue hypoperfusion, and extremities may become cool due to peripheral vasoconstriction as the body attempts to shunt blood to vital organs.

C. The client has hypertension and anuria: Hypertension (high blood pressure) and anuria (lack of urine output) are not indicative of postoperative shock. In shock, blood pressure typically decreases (hypotension), and oliguria or anuria may occur due to decreased renal perfusion.

D. The client has hypotension and is confused: This is the correct answer. Hypotension (low blood pressure) is a hallmark sign of shock, indicating inadequate tissue perfusion. Confusion may occur due to cerebral hypoperfusion and inadequate oxygen delivery to the brain. Confusion is a late sign of shock and indicates severe compromise of organ perfusion.

A. Changes to social cognition and challenges to inhibitory control: Neurologic injuries such as increased intracranial pressure can lead to changes in social cognition, including difficulties in understanding social cues, interpreting emotions, and maintaining appropriate social interactions. Additionally, inhibitory control may be impaired, leading to impulsivity and disinhibition in behavior.

B. Improved mood stability and improved temper control: Neurologic injuries are more likely to result in mood instability and difficulties with temper control rather than improvement in these areas. Changes in mood, including irritability, anxiety, depression, and emotional lability, are common psychosocial consequences of neurologic injuries.

C. Improved rehabilitation outcomes and temporary behavior changes: While rehabilitation efforts may lead to improvement in functional abilities over time, neurologic injuries often result in persistent psychosocial challenges rather than improved outcomes. Temporary behavior changes may occur during the recovery process, but individuals may continue to experience long-term psychosocial sequelae.

D. Sense of purpose, improved motivation, and stable relationships: Neurologic injuries can significantly impact an individual's sense of purpose, motivation, and relationships. Clients may struggle to find meaning and motivation in their lives following a neurologic injury, and relationships may be strained due to changes in behavior, cognition, and communication.