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 A
Explanation
A. Ventricular tachycardia is characterized by a ventricular rate >100 bpm, regular rhythm, no visible P waves, and wide QRS complexes (>0.12 seconds). The findings described—ventricular rate of 162, regular R-R intervals, no visible P waves, and a QRS duration of 0.18 seconds—are consistent with ventricular tachycardia.
B. Ventricular fibrillation shows a chaotic, irregular rhythm with no identifiable QRS complexes, which is not the case here.
C. Sinus tachycardia would have visible P waves and a normal QRS duration.
D. Atrial flutter typically has "sawtooth" flutter waves and a more organized atrial rhythm with a distinct P wave pattern, which is absent in this scenario.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Diuretics should be taken early in the morning to avoid nocturia, but not at bedtime.
B. A weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) or more in a day or 1.4–2.3 kg (3–5 lb) in a week should be reported; 0.5 kg (1 lb) in a week is not typically concerning.
C. Regular exercise (e.g., at least three times per week) is encouraged in Class I heart failure to promote cardiovascular health and endurance. This is an appropriate and recommended instruction.
D. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and should be avoided in clients with heart failure as it may cause fluid retention and worsen heart function.
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