A patient is admitted to the emergency department (ED) for shock of unknown etiology. The first action by the nurse should be to
obtain the blood pressure.
Check the level of consciousness.
administer oxygen.
obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG).
The Correct Answer is B
Assessing the patient's level of consciousness is a critical initial step in evaluating a patient with shock. Altered mental status or decreased level of consciousness can be indicative of inadequate cerebral perfusion and may require immediate interventions to address compromised brain function and ensure patient safety.
While all the options mentioned are important in the assessment and management of a patient in shock, checking the level of consciousness takes priority as it provides essential information about the patient's neurological status and helps guide further interventions.
A. Obtaining the blood pressure in (option A) is incorrect because Assessing blood pressure is crucial in evaluating a patient in shock, but it can be done in conjunction with checking the level of consciousness and other vital signs.
C. Administering oxygen in (option C) is incorrect because: Administering oxygen is important in managing shock, as tissue hypoxia is a key concern. However, it can be done simultaneously with assessing the level of consciousness and initiating other interventions.
D. Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) in (option D) is incorrect because While an ECG may provide valuable information about the patient's cardiac function, it is not the first priority in a patient with shock of unknown etiology. Assessing the level of consciousness and vital signs takes precedence.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Norepinephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor and inotropic agent commonly used to increase blood pressure in cases of hypotension or shock. However, if the infusion rate is too high, it can lead to excessive vasoconstriction and potentially compromise organ perfusion.
A heart rate of 58 beats/min suggests bradycardia, which can be an indication of excessive vasoconstriction caused by a high dose or rate of norepinephrine infusion. Excessive vasoconstriction can reduce cardiac output and worsen tissue perfusion.
A. Mean arterial pressure is 55 mm Hg in (option A) is incorrect because A mean arterial pressure of 55 mm Hg may be within an acceptable range for a patient receiving norepinephrine infusion, depending on the patient's baseline blood pressure and clinical condition.
B. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) is elevated in (option B) is incorrect because An elevated SVR indicates increased peripheral vascular resistance and can be a desired effect of norepinephrine infusion to improve blood pressure and perfusion.
C. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is low in (option C) which is incorrect because A low PAWP may indicate decreased left ventricular preload, which can be a desired effect of norepinephrine infusion to reduce fluid overload in certain clinical conditions.
It is important for the nurse to carefully monitor the patient's hemodynamic parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate, and organ perfusion when titrating norepinephrine infusion to ensure optimal dosing and minimize potential adverse effects. If concerns arise regarding the infusion rate, the healthcare provider should be promptly notified for further evaluation and adjustment of the treatment plan.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Narrowed pulse pressure: In cardiogenic shock, the cardiac output is compromised, resulting in reduced stroke volume and subsequent narrowed pulse pressure. The pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
B. Tachycardia: Tachycardia is a compensatory response in cardiogenic shock, as the body attempts to increase cardiac output to maintain tissue perfusion despite decreased stroke volume. Increased heart rate is a common finding in this condition.
D. Pulmonary congestion: Cardiogenic shock is often associated with impaired left ventricular function, leading to an inadequate pump mechanism. This can result in fluid accumulation and congestion in the pulmonary circulation, leading to pulmonary edema and congestion. Patients may experience symptoms such as dyspnea, crackles on lung auscultation, and increased work of breathing.
E. Elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP): PAWP is a measurement obtained during invasive hemodynamic monitoring. In cardiogenic shock, the impaired left ventricular function leads to increased left atrial pressure, which is reflected by an elevated PAWP. Elevated PAWP indicates increased fluid volume and congestion in the left side of the heart.
C. Elevated SBP in (option C) is incorrect because Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) is not a typical finding in cardiogenic shock. Instead, hypotension or decreased blood pressure is commonly observed due to reduced cardiac output.
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