A nurse is caring for a client who is in the compensatory stage of shock. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Heart rate 180/min
Motled skin
Hypokalemia
Blood pressure 115/68 mm Hg
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is D. Blood pressure 115/68 mm Hg.
Choice A reason: Heart rate 180/min is incorrect because, although an increased heart rate is a compensatory mechanism, a rate of 180/min is excessively high and suggests a more severe stage of shock or other cardiac issues.
Choice B reason: Mottled skin is incorrect as it indicates poor perfusion seen in decompensated shock, where organ dysfunction begins to manifest, not in the compensatory stage.
Choice C reason: Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is incorrect because electrolyte imbalances are not typically a finding in the compensatory stage of shock. Normal potassium levels range from 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Choice D reason: Blood pressure 115/68 mm Hg is correct because it falls within the normal blood pressure range, which the body strives to maintain during the compensatory stage of shock through various mechanisms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because placing ice to the bridge of the client’s nose can cause vasoconstriction and reduce blood flow to the nasal mucosa.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because tilting the client's head backward can cause blood to drain into the throat and increase the risk of aspiration, nausea, and vomiting.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because moving the client into high-Fowler position can lower the blood pressure in the head and neck and decrease bleeding.
Choice D reason Reason This is incorrect because instructing the client to blow his nose can dislodge any clots that have formed and worsen bleeding.
Choice E Reason: This is correct because applying pressure to the nares can compress the bleeding site and promote clotting.
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.
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