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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?

A.

Anaphylactic shock

B.

Neurogenic shock

C.

Septic shock

D.

Cardiogenic shock

Answer and Explanation

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.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Class I: No limitation of physical activity; ordinary activity does not cause symptoms. This client clearly experiences symptoms with ordinary activities.
B. Class II: Slight limitation of physical activity; comfortable at rest, but ordinary activity causes fatigue, dyspnea, or chest pain. This client is more limited than Class II.
C. Class IV: Unable to carry out any physical activity without discomfort; symptoms may be present even at rest. This client does not have symptoms at rest.
D. Class III: Marked limitation of physical activity; comfortable at rest, but less-than-ordinary activity (e.g., brushing teeth, walking to the bathroom) causes fatigue, dyspnea, or chest pain. This best fits the client's condition.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Transcutaneous pacing may be considered if the bradycardia does not respond to initial medical management, but it is not the first intervention.
B. Administering atropine IV is the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia. Atropine works by increasing heart rate through its anticholinergic effects, helping to improve cardiac output and consciousness.
C. CPR is only indicated if the client is pulseless or not breathing. Since this client is still breathing, CPR is not appropriate at this stage.
D. Cardioversion is used for certain tachyarrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response), not for bradycardia.

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