A nurse is assessing a client who has progressed through the progressive stage of shock. Which of the following findings would the nurse expect during this stage?
The client presents with tachycardia and normal blood pressure.
The client exhibits hypotension, decreased urinary output, and altered mental status
Liver function tests (LFTs)
Blood chemistry
The Correct Answer is B
Shock is a state of inadequate tissue perfusion leading to cellular hypoxia and organ dysfunction. In the progressive stage of shock, compensatory mechanisms begin to fail, and organ perfusion becomes significantly compromised. At this stage, cellular metabolism shifts to anaerobic processes, leading to lactic acidosis and worsening organ dysfunction. Clinical manifestations reflect systemic deterioration and impaired function of vital organs such as the brain and kidneys.
Rationale:
A. Tachycardia with normal blood pressure is more consistent with the compensatory (early) stage of shock. During this phase, the body maintains blood pressure through vasoconstriction and increased heart rate to preserve perfusion. Once the shock progresses, these compensatory mechanisms begin to fail, leading to hypotension and organ dysfunction.
B. Hypotension, decreased urinary output, and altered mental status are characteristic findings of the progressive stage of shock. Falling blood pressure indicates failure of compensatory mechanisms, while decreased urine output reflects renal hypoperfusion. Altered mental status occurs due to reduced cerebral oxygen delivery, signaling worsening systemic hypoxia and organ dysfunction.
C. Liver function tests (LFTs) are not clinical findings associated with the assessment of shock stages. While hepatic dysfunction may occur in prolonged or irreversible shock, LFTs are laboratory investigations rather than bedside clinical indicators of the progressive stage. They do not directly describe the immediate physiologic changes seen in shock progression.
D. Blood chemistry refers to laboratory values such as electrolytes and metabolic parameters, which may be altered in shock but are not specific clinical findings used to identify its progressive stage. These values support overall assessment but do not describe the hallmark signs such as hypotension, oliguria, and neurological decline. Clinical presentation is more important in staging shock at the bedside.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Cerebral edema involves increased intracranial pressure due to fluid accumulation within brain tissues, which can lead to decreased cerebral perfusion and neurological deterioration. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce intracranial pressure by drawing fluid from brain tissue into the intravascular space for renal excretion. Because mannitol can crystallize at room temperature, proper preparation and safety checks are essential before IV administration to prevent harm and ensure therapeutic effectiveness.
Rationale:
A. Checking for crystallization in the mannitol solution is essential before administration because mannitol can form crystals when stored at low temperatures. Infusing crystallized solution can cause catheter occlusion or embolization. If crystals are present, the solution should be warmed or filtered before use to ensure safe administration.
B. Administering mannitol rapidly over 10 minutes is unsafe unless specifically prescribed, as rapid infusion can cause sudden fluid shifts and cardiovascular overload. Mannitol should be administered at the prescribed controlled rate to prevent complications such as pulmonary edema, hypotension, or electrolyte imbalance. Proper infusion timing is critical to avoid adverse hemodynamic effects.
C. Ensuring systolic blood pressure is below 100 mm Hg is not a required pre-administration parameter for mannitol. While blood pressure monitoring is important due to the risk of fluid shifts and osmotic diuresis, the drug is not contraindicated based solely on systolic pressure thresholds. The focus is on intracranial pressure reduction rather than strict blood pressure limits.
D. Administering mannitol with food to improve absorption is incorrect because mannitol is given intravenously, not orally. Food intake has no effect on its absorption or pharmacologic action. Its therapeutic effect depends entirely on controlled IV infusion and its osmotic movement across the blood-brain barrier.
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
Viral hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver caused by different hepatitis viruses, each with distinct modes of transmission. Some types are spread through contaminated food and water (fecal-oral route), while others are transmitted through blood or body fluids. Understanding transmission routes is essential for implementing appropriate infection control and prevention strategies. The fecal-oral route is primarily associated with viruses that spread through poor sanitation and ingestion of contaminated materials.
Rationale:
A. Hepatitis E is transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route, usually via contaminated water sources. It is more common in areas with poor sanitation and can cause outbreaks, especially in developing regions. Infection is typically self-limiting but can be severe in pregnant individuals, leading to higher mortality risk.
B. Hepatitis D is not transmitted through the fecal-oral route. It requires the presence of hepatitis B for replication and is spread through blood and body fluids, similar to hepatitis B. Therefore, its transmission is parenteral rather than enteric.
C. Hepatitis B is transmitted through exposure to infected blood and body fluids, such as sexual contact, needle sharing, or perinatal transmission. It is not spread through contaminated food or water. Vaccination is an effective preventive measure against hepatitis B infection.
D. Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, most commonly via shared needles or contaminated medical equipment. It is not associated with fecal-oral transmission. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, making prevention through safe practices essential.
E. Hepatitis A is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food or water or close personal contact. It is highly contagious but usually self-limiting and does not lead to chronic liver disease. Vaccination and good hygiene practices are key preventive strategies.
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