What is a late sign of septic shock?

Anorexia and nausea

Generalized malaise

Slowed shallow respirations

Decreased temperature

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason:

Anorexia and nausea are common symptoms in many illnesses, including septic shock, but they are not specific late signs. These symptoms can occur early in the disease process and are not definitive indicators of the severity of the condition.

Choice B reason:

Generalized malaise, a feeling of overall discomfort and fatigue, is a nonspecific symptom that can occur in many conditions, including septic shock. It is not a specific late sign and can be present at various stages of the illness.

Choice C reason:

Slowed, shallow respirations can be a sign of respiratory failure, which can occur in severe sepsis or septic shock. However, it is not a specific late sign of septic shock itself. Respiratory patterns can vary depending on the underlying cause and progression of the shock.

Choice D reason:

Decreased temperature, or hypothermia, is a late sign of septic shock. As the body’s compensatory mechanisms fail, the ability to maintain normal body temperature is impaired. This can result in hypothermia, indicating severe and advanced septic shock. The body's metabolic processes slow down, and the overall prognosis becomes poorer as hypothermia sets in.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Severe blood loss due to trauma can lead to hypovolemic shock, a specific type of shock. However, this description is not comprehensive enough to cover the pathophysiology of all types of shock. Shock involves various mechanisms and can occur due to different underlying causes beyond just blood loss, such as cardiac failure, infections, or neurological issues.

Choice B reason:

Catatonia is a state of psychomotor immobility and behavioral abnormality stemming from psychological disturbances, not a direct feature of shock. While mental status changes can be a symptom of shock, catatonia itself is not a defining characteristic of the condition. The pathophysiology of shock involves physiological imbalances rather than purely psychological disturbances.

Choice C reason:

Tachycardia (increased heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure) are symptoms that can occur during shock, but they do not describe the underlying pathophysiology. These signs are the body's response to the decreased perfusion and oxygen delivery to tissues. The fundamental issue in shock is the failure to meet the body's metabolic demands due to impaired oxygen delivery, which is better captured by another option.

Choice D reason:

An imbalance between oxygen supply and demand is the core issue in all types of shock. Whether due to blood loss, heart failure, or systemic infection, shock results in insufficient oxygen delivery to meet the needs of tissues and organs. This imbalance leads to cellular hypoxia and subsequent organ dysfunction, encapsulating the essential pathophysiological process of shock.

A. Elevate the head of the bed B. Provide immediate pain relief C. Monitor intake and output D. Practice careful and consistent hand hygiene

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Elevating the head of the bed is a common practice in patient care but is not directly related to preventing hypovolemic shock. This action can help with respiratory comfort and drainage but does not address fluid balance or blood volume, which are critical in preventing hypovolemic shock.

Choice B reason:

Providing immediate pain relief is important for patient comfort and recovery but does not directly prevent hypovolemic shock. While controlling pain can reduce stress on the body, it does not address the fluid and blood volume concerns central to preventing hypovolemic shock.

Choice C reason:

Monitoring intake and output is crucial in preventing hypovolemic shock, especially in postoperative patients. This helps to ensure that fluid balance is maintained, and any significant losses (e.g., through bleeding, vomiting, or excessive drainage) are promptly addressed. Accurate monitoring allows for early intervention to prevent hypovolemic shock.

Choice D reason:

Practicing careful and consistent hand hygiene is essential for preventing infections, which can lead to septic shock, but it is not directly related to preventing hypovolemic shock. While important, hand hygiene does not specifically address the fluid and blood volume issues involved in hypovolemic shock.

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What is a late sign of septic shock?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The pathophysiology of shock is best described as:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient recovering from surgery. What action should the nurse perform to prevent the onset of hypovolemic shock?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse caring for a client in the early stages of hypovolemic shock who is hyperventilating. The nurse monitors for which acid-base imbalance based on this clinical presentation?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is the victim of a traumatic motor vehicle accident. Vital signs are: T-98.8 oral, P-140, B/P-86/52, R-28, pulse oximetry-92% on room air. The nurse would suspect which type of shock?

In a state of shock, the body attempts to maintain homeostasis by maintaining priority blood flow to the:

What is an integumentary manifestation of anaphylactic shock?

What is the initial therapy of choice for the treatment of anaphylactic shock?

Cardiac output (CO) equals:

The compensatory stage of shock results in what assessment findings?

What clinical manifestation distinguishes or separates neurogenic shock from other forms of shock?