Nurses in intensive care units commonly care for clients in varying stages of various types of shock. Which of the following is the most common cause of death in intensive care units in the United States?
Anaphylactic shock
Neurogenic shock
Septic shock
Cardiogenic shock
The Correct Answer is C
A. Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening allergic reaction, but it is less common and less frequently the cause of ICU deaths compared to septic shock.
B. Neurogenic shock results from spinal cord injuries or central nervous system damage and is relatively rare.
C. Septic shock is the most common cause of death in intensive care units in the United States. It results from overwhelming infection and leads to systemic inflammation, vasodilation, and multi-organ dysfunction.
D. Cardiogenic shock occurs due to the heart’s inability to pump effectively, often after a major myocardial infarction, but it is not the leading cause of death in ICUs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Increasing the head of the bed may help ease breathing but does not address the potential cause of the problem.
B. The recovery position is used for unconscious patients to maintain an open airway—not appropriate here.
C. Stopping the infusion of the medication is the first and most critical action. The client is likely experiencing an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis to penicillin, and continuing the drug could worsen symptoms.
D. Slowing the infusion does not prevent further reaction and delays stopping the exposure to the allergen.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hemoglobin is important for evaluating oxygen-carrying capacity but is not directly related to digoxin safety.
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is useful in assessing renal function but is not the priority for digoxin administration.
C. Creatinine is also important for renal function assessment, especially since digoxin is renally excreted, but it is still secondary to potassium.
D. Potassium is the priority lab value to review before giving digoxin, because hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, which can lead to serious arrhythmias. Monitoring and correcting potassium levels is essential for client safety.
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