A nurse is providing care for a postoperative client. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as indicating the development of postoperative shock?
The client has metabolic alkalosis and warm extremities
The client develops bradycardia and bradypnea
The client has hypotension and is confused
The client has hypertension and anuria
The Correct Answer is C
A. The client has metabolic alkalosis and warm extremities: Metabolic alkalosis and warm extremities are not typically indicative of postoperative shock. Metabolic alkalosis may be caused by excessive vomiting or prolonged gastric suctioning, but it is not a hallmark sign of shock. Warm extremities may suggest adequate peripheral perfusion rather than impaired perfusion seen in shock.
B. The client develops bradycardia and bradypnea: Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and bradypnea (slow respiratory rate) may occur as compensatory mechanisms in certain types of shock, such as neurogenic shock. However, they are not specific indicators of postoperative shock. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and tachypnea (rapid respiratory rate) are more common findings in most types of shock, including postoperative shock.
C. The client has hypotension and is confused: Hypotension (low blood pressure) and confusion are classic signs of shock, including postoperative shock. Hypotension indicates inadequate perfusion of vital organs, while confusion may result from cerebral hypoperfusion. Altered mental status, such as confusion, is a significant neurological manifestation of shock.
D. The client has hypertension and anuria: Hypertension (high blood pressure) and anuria (decreased urine output) are not typical manifestations of postoperative shock. Hypertension may occur in certain conditions that can lead to shock, such as septic shock, during the compensatory phase. However, it is not a primary sign of shock. Anuria may occur in cases of severe hypovolemic shock but is not specific to postoperative shock.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Cushing's Triad is a set of three classic signs associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). These signs include hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations. The presence of Cushing's Triad indicates severe brain injury or increased ICP, often leading to brainstem compression.
A. Tachycardia (Option A): Increased intracranial pressure can initially lead to tachycardia as the body attempts to compensate for the changes. However, as ICP continues to rise and brainstem compression occurs, the sympathetic response diminishes, resulting in bradycardia rather than tachycardia. Therefore, Cushing's Triad is not associated with preventing tachycardia.
B. Agonal breathing (Option B): Agonal breathing, characterized by gasping, labored breathing, or irregular breathing patterns, may occur as a result of brainstem dysfunction or damage. Cushing's Triad, indicative of increased ICP and impending brainstem herniation, does not prevent agonal breathing. In fact, irregular respirations are part of Cushing's Triad.
C. Chest pain (Option C): Chest pain may occur due to various cardiac or respiratory conditions and is not directly related to Cushing's Triad or increased intracranial pressure. Therefore, Cushing's Triad does not prevent chest pain.
D. Brainstem ischemia (Option D): Increased intracranial pressure can lead to brainstem compression, compromising blood flow to the brainstem and resulting in brainstem ischemia. Cushing's Triad, characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations, is a nervous system response indicative of severe brain injury or increased ICP, which can lead to brainstem ischemia if left untreated. Therefore, Cushing's Triad is associated with brainstem ischemia rather than preventing it.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Your heart condition is caused by thickening of the ventricular walls and septum." Thickening of the ventricular walls and septum is characteristic of conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, not pericarditis. This statement does not accurately describe the cause of pericarditis.
B. "Your heart condition is caused by excessive stretching of the ventricles." Excessive stretching of the ventricles is not a typical cause of pericarditis. While stretching of the heart muscle may occur in certain conditions, it is not directly related to pericarditis.
C. "Your heart condition is caused when the ventricular tissue becomes fibrous and fatty." Fibrous and fatty changes in ventricular tissue are features of conditions such as ischemic cardiomyopathy, not pericarditis. This statement does not accurately explain the cause of pericarditis.
D. "Your heart condition is caused from stiffening of the walls of the ventricles." Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. When the pericardium becomes inflamed, it can stiffen, restricting the heart's movement and leading to chest pain. Therefore, option D accurately explains the cause of pericarditis, attributing it to the stiffening of the pericardium.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.