The nurse is continuing to assist in the care of the client.

Exhibits

For each data collection finding, click to specify if the finding on postoperative day 1 is consistent with hypovolemic shock or pulmonary embolism. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process or none at all. There must be at least 1 selection in every column. There does not need to be a selection in every row.

Heart rate
•    Hypovolemic Shock
o    The elevated heart rate of 104/min is consistent with hypovolemic shock, where the body compensates for reduced blood volume by increasing heart rate to maintain cardiac output and perfusion.
•    Pulmonary Embolism
o    An increased heart rate can also occur with pulmonary embolism as the body responds to decreased oxygenation and impaired cardiac function.
Respiratory effort
•    Hypovolemic Shock
o    Increased respiratory rate of 24/min may be a compensatory mechanism in hypovolemic shock to enhance oxygen delivery to tissues despite reduced blood volume.
•    Pulmonary Embolism
o    Elevated respiratory rate can also be seen in pulmonary embolism due to impaired gas exchange and increased respiratory effort to compensate for decreased oxygen levels.
Pain
•    Pulmonary Embolism
o    Pain, particularly pleuritic chest pain, is a common symptom of pulmonary embolism and could be indicative of embolic obstruction in the pulmonary circulation.
Blood pressure
•    Hypovolemic Shock
o    The drop in blood pressure to 88/54 mm Hg is consistent with hypovolemic shock, where reduced blood volume leads to decreased perfusion and hypotension.
Mentation
•    Hypovolemic Shock
o    Altered mentation, such as restlessness or agitation, can be a sign of hypovolemic shock as decreased perfusion affects brain function and consciousness.
•    Pulmonary Embolism
o    Changes in mentation can also occur in pulmonary embolism due to hypoxemia or decreased perfusion to the brain.