The nurse understands that which hemodynamic parameters are consistent with hypovolemic shock? Decreased cardiac output and:

Choice A reason:

Myocardial infarction (MI) directly affects the heart muscle's ability to contract effectively. When part of the heart muscle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen, it cannot pump blood efficiently, leading to cardiogenic shock. This impaired contractility reduces cardiac output and blood pressure, causing inadequate perfusion of tissues.

Choice B reason:

Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, compressing it and limiting its ability to fill and pump blood. This leads to decreased cardiac output and can cause cardiogenic shock. The heart cannot expand properly to accommodate blood flow, severely impairing its function.

Choice C reason:

Severe bradycardia, an abnormally slow heart rate, can reduce the heart's ability to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs. When the heart rate is too slow, the volume of blood ejected with each beat (cardiac output) decreases, potentially leading to cardiogenic shock if the body's demand for oxygen is not met.

Choice D reason:

Tension pneumothorax, a condition where air enters the pleural space and cannot escape, leads to increased pressure on the heart and great vessels. This pressure prevents the heart from filling properly, reducing cardiac output and impairing its pumping ability. If not promptly treated, tension pneumothorax can cause cardiogenic shock due to compromised heart function.

Choice E reason:

Massive pulmonary embolism, a blockage in the pulmonary arteries, hinders blood flow from the right side of the heart to the lungs. This obstruction increases the workload on the right ventricle, potentially leading to right ventricular failure and cardiogenic shock. The heart struggles to pump blood through the blocked pulmonary circuit, resulting in decreased cardiac output and shock.

Choice A reason: Epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylactic shock. It rapidly reverses severe allergic reactions by reducing swelling, increasing blood pressure, and improving breathing.

Choice B reason: Rapid infusion of normal saline. While fluid resuscitation is important in managing anaphylactic shock, it is not the initial therapy of choice. Epinephrine should be administered first to counteract the allergic reaction.

Choice C reason: Dobutamine. Dobutamine is used to support cardiac function in certain types of shock but is not the first-line treatment for anaphylactic shock.

Choice D reason: Norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a vasopressor used to treat severe hypotension and shock but is not the initial treatment for anaphylactic shock. Epinephrine is preferred to address the allergic reaction.