A nurse is providing postoperative care to a client who lost 800 mL of blood during surgery. The client's blood pressure has been steadily decreasing over the past 2 hr. Which of the following categories of shock should the nurse recognize is occurring?
Hypovolemic shock
Septic shock
Obstructive shock
Neurogenic shock
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hypovolemic shock: Hypovolemic shock occurs due to a significant decrease in circulating blood volume, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion. Blood loss, such as that experienced by the client in the scenario, is a common cause of hypovolemic shock. The decrease in blood pressure observed over time is consistent with the compensatory mechanisms of hypovolemic shock, where the body attempts to maintain perfusion to vital organs despite decreased blood volume.
B. Septic shock: Septic shock results from a systemic inflammatory response to infection, leading to vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, and maldistribution of blood flow. While infection can lead to hypovolemia in some cases, the scenario does not provide evidence of infection or systemic inflammatory response as the cause of shock.
C. Obstructive shock: Obstructive shock occurs when there is obstruction to blood flow within the cardiovascular system, such as in cases of pulmonary embolism, cardiac tamponade, or tension pneumothorax. There is no evidence in the scenario to suggest an obstruction to blood flow as the cause of the client's shock.
D. Neurogenic shock: Neurogenic shock results from loss of sympathetic tone leading to vasodilation and relative hypovolemia. It is often associated with spinal cord injury or severe head injury. While neurogenic shock can lead to hypotension, the scenario does not indicate any neurological injury or insult as the cause of the client's shock.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Basketball, office jobs, and listening to loud music: These activities are not typically associated with an increased risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). While some recreational and occupational activities may involve physical or environmental risks, they are not commonly linked to the repetitive head trauma seen in CTE.
B. Swimming, working as a nurse, and painting: These activities are not commonly associated with an increased risk of CTE. Swimming is generally a low-risk activity for head injuries, while working as a nurse and painting are not typically associated with repetitive head trauma.
C. Football, military service, and physical abuse: This is the correct answer. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is strongly associated with repetitive head trauma, particularly in contact sports like football, as well as in military service where blast injuries and combat-related head trauma are common. Physical abuse, especially in contact sports, can also increase the risk of CTE due to repetitive blows to the head.
D. Golfing, working in construction, and horse roping: While some occupational and recreational activities may involve a risk of head injury, they are not commonly associated with the repetitive head trauma seen in CTE. Golfing, construction work, and horse roping typically do not involve the level of repetitive head impacts seen in activities like football or military service.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The client has metabolic alkalosis and warm extremities: Metabolic alkalosis and warm extremities are not typically indicative of postoperative shock. Metabolic alkalosis may be caused by excessive vomiting or prolonged gastric suctioning, but it is not a hallmark sign of shock. Warm extremities may suggest adequate peripheral perfusion rather than impaired perfusion seen in shock.
B. The client develops bradycardia and bradypnea: Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and bradypnea (slow respiratory rate) may occur as compensatory mechanisms in certain types of shock, such as neurogenic shock. However, they are not specific indicators of postoperative shock. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and tachypnea (rapid respiratory rate) are more common findings in most types of shock, including postoperative shock.
C. The client has hypotension and is confused: Hypotension (low blood pressure) and confusion are classic signs of shock, including postoperative shock. Hypotension indicates inadequate perfusion of vital organs, while confusion may result from cerebral hypoperfusion. Altered mental status, such as confusion, is a significant neurological manifestation of shock.
D. The client has hypertension and anuria: Hypertension (high blood pressure) and anuria (decreased urine output) are not typical manifestations of postoperative shock. Hypertension may occur in certain conditions that can lead to shock, such as septic shock, during the compensatory phase. However, it is not a primary sign of shock. Anuria may occur in cases of severe hypovolemic shock but is not specific to postoperative shock.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.