The nurse is caring for a client in neurogenic shock following an overdose of anti-anxiety medication. When assessing this client, the nurse should recognize what characteristic of neurogenic shock?
Signs of sympathetic stimulation
Hypertension
Cool, moist skin
Bradycardia
The Correct Answer is D
A. Neurogenic shock is characterized by the loss of sympathetic tone, leading to parasympathetic predominance. Therefore, signs of sympathetic stimulation, such as tachycardia or sweating, are not present.
B. Neurogenic shock typically causes hypotension, not hypertension, due to vasodilation and decreased systemic vascular resistance.
C. Cool, moist skin is more commonly seen in hypovolemic or septic shock due to peripheral vasoconstriction. In neurogenic shock, vasodilation leads to warm, dry skin.
D. Bradycardia is a hallmark of neurogenic shock due to unopposed parasympathetic stimulation resulting from the loss of sympathetic nervous system control.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The first priority in this situation is to open the client's airway using the jaw-thrust maneuver. This technique is preferred for clients with suspected spinal injuries to avoid further spinal cord damage. Ensuring the airway is open and providing oxygenation are immediate life-saving actions.
B. Checking cranial nerve function, including assessing pupils, is important for evaluating neurological status but is not the first action when the client is not breathing. Ensuring the airway is open and providing oxygenation is the priority.
C. While placing the client in a rigid cervical collar is important for stabilizing the spine and preventing further injury, it should be done after ensuring the airway is clear. The immediate concern is to address the client's non-breathing status.
D. Evaluating the client for brain injury is important for overall assessment but is secondary to addressing the immediate life threat of not breathing. Ensuring the airway is open and then stabilizing the spine is the priority.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Anuria, or the absence of urine output, occurs in later stages of shock when there is significant renal hypoperfusion. It is not an early indicator of shock.
B. Hypotension is a classic sign of shock, but it generally occurs after compensatory mechanisms have failed. It is not the earliest indicator.
C. A decreased level of consciousness occurs later in the progression of shock due to decreased cerebral perfusion. It is not the earliest sign of shock.
D. Increased respiratory rate is often the earliest indicator of shock. As the body attempts to compensate for decreased oxygen delivery and tissue perfusion, the respiratory rate increases to enhance oxygenation and eliminate excess carbon dioxide. This compensatory mechanism is typically one of the first signs that shock is developing.
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