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What are the pathophysiologic changes that place a client who has suffered a myocardial infarction at risk for cardiogenic shock?

A.

Decreased cardiac output and increased MAP

B.

Decreased cardiac output and decreased MAP

C.

Increased cardiac output and increased afterload

D.

Increased cardiac output and increased MAP

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Decreased cardiac output with increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) does not typically occur in cardiogenic shock. In shock states, MAP tends to decrease.
B. Decreased cardiac output and decreased MAP are the hallmark pathophysiologic changes in cardiogenic shock following a myocardial infarction. The damaged myocardium cannot pump effectively, leading to poor perfusion and hypotension.
C. Increased cardiac output and increased afterload are not features of cardiogenic shock; in fact, cardiac output is decreased.
D. Increased cardiac output and increased MAP suggest improved perfusion, not the compromised state seen in cardiogenic shock.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Ventricular tachycardia presents with wide QRS complexes and a fast ventricular rate, but not sawtooth P waves.
B. Atrial flutter is characterized by a rapid atrial rate (typically around 250–350 beats/min) and "sawtooth" flutter waves on the ECG. The ventricular response is often regular, as seen in this client with a ventricular rate of 82 beats/min.
C. Atrial fibrillation presents with an irregularly irregular rhythm and absent P waves, replaced by fibrillatory waves — not the sawtooth pattern described here.
D. Ventricular fibrillation shows chaotic, irregular, and disorganized electrical activity with no identifiable P waves, QRS complexes, or T waves, and would not present as a stable rhythm with a ventricular rate of 82 bpm.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Circulating blood volume is decreased – This is true specifically in hypovolemic shock, but it does not apply to all types of shock (e.g., septic or cardiogenic shock).
B. Cells lack an adequate blood supply and are deprived of oxygen and nutrients – This is the most accurate and comprehensive description of the pathophysiology of shock. Shock is defined as a state of cellular and tissue hypoperfusion, regardless of the underlying cause.
C. Hemorrhage occurs as a result of trauma – While hemorrhage can cause hypovolemic shock, it is not the universal cause of all types of shock.
D. Blood is shunted from vital organs to peripheral areas of the body – The opposite is true in shock: blood is typically shunted away from peripheral tissues to preserve perfusion to vital organs like the brain and heart.

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