A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for shock. Which of the following findings is the earliest indicator that this complication is developing?
Decreased level of consciousness
Increased respiratory rate
Hypotension
Anuria
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because a decreased level of consciousness is a late sign of shock, not an early one. Decreased level of consciousness indicates that the brain is not receiving enough oxygen and blood flow, which can lead to irreversible damage and death.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because increased respiratory rate is an early sign of shock, indicating hypoxia. This finding indicates that the client is experiencing hypoxia, which is a lack of oxygen in the tissues and organs. Hypoxia is a common and early sign of shock, which is a condition where the body's vital organs do not receive enough blood
flow and oxygen due to low blood pressure, low cardiac output, or low blood volume. The client's respiratory rate increases as a compensatory mechanism to increase oxygen intake and delivery.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because hypotension is a late sign of shock, not an early one. Hypotension indicates that the blood pressure is too low to maintain adequate perfusion and oxygenation to the vital organs.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because anuria is a late sign of shock, not an early one. Anuria indicates that the kidneys are not receiving enough blood flow and oxygen, which can result in acute kidney injury or failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A: A cervical spinal cord injury can impair the function of cranial nerves, leading to a weakened gag reflex and an increased risk of aspiration.
Choice B:Patients with spinal cord injuries are more likely to experience poikilothermia (difficulty regulating body temperature), but this often results in hypothermia, not hyperthermia, due to the loss of autonomic temperature control.
Choice C:Spinal shock, which often follows a spinal cord injury, can cause decreased or absent bowel sounds due to a temporary loss of autonomic function and decreased peristalsis.
Choice D:Depending on the level and severity of the injury, paralysis can occur, affecting motor function below the injury site. A cervical spinal cord injury may lead to quadriplegia (tetraplegia).
Choice E:Clients with spinal cord injuries are more likely to experience urinary retention, rather than polyuria, due to loss of bladder control and autonomic dysfunction. A foley catheter may be needed initially, followed by intermittent catheterization.
Choice F:Neurogenic shock, a potential complication of cervical spinal cord injuries, can cause hypotension due to the loss of sympathetic nervous system control over blood vessel tone, leading to vasodilation and bradycardia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is: B. Initiate oxygen therapy.
Choice A reason:
Attaching the leads for a 12-lead ECG is crucial for diagnosing a myocardial infarction. However, it is not the first priority. Ensuring the patient receives adequate oxygen is more critical to prevent further myocardial damage. The ECG can be performed immediately after oxygen therapy is initiated to confirm the diagnosis and guide further treatment.
Choice B reason:
Initiating oxygen therapy is the first priority because it ensures that the heart muscle receives adequate oxygen, which is essential to prevent further damage during a myocardial infarction. Oxygen therapy helps to maintain tissue oxygenation and can reduce the extent of myocardial injury. This immediate intervention is vital to stabilize the patient and improve outcomes.
Choice C reason:
Inserting the IV catheter is important for administering medications and fluids. However, it is not the first step. Oxygen therapy takes precedence to ensure the heart and other vital organs receive sufficient oxygen. Once oxygen is administered, IV access can be established to facilitate further treatment.
Choice D reason:
Obtaining a blood sample is necessary for confirming the diagnosis and assessing cardiac markers. However, it is not the immediate priority. Ensuring the patient is oxygenated is more urgent to prevent further myocardial damage. Blood samples can be drawn after oxygen therapy is initiated.
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