A patient with new third-degree burns over 60% of the body is confused and presents with a blood pressure of 79/56 mm Hg, heart rate of 132 beats/min, and respirations of 28 breaths/min with crackles on auscultation.
The patient’s body temperature is 76° F, and the skin is pale and clammy. Which stage of shock is this patient experiencing?

Irreversible.

End-organ dysfunction.

Early reversible.

Preshock.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Irreversible shock is the final stage of shock, where the body's compensatory mechanisms have failed, and damage to vital organs is irreversible. This stage is characterized by:

Profound hypotension (systolic blood pressure persistently below 60 mmHg) Severely altered mental status (unresponsiveness or coma)

Widespread organ failure (kidney failure, liver failure, respiratory failure) Lack of response to aggressive fluid resuscitation and vasopressor therapy

The patient in the question does not exhibit all of these signs and symptoms, particularly the profound hypotension and irreversible organ failure. Therefore, irreversible shock is not the most likely stage.

Choice B rationale:

End-organ dysfunction is a stage of shock where inadequate tissue perfusion has begun to cause damage to vital organs. This stage is characterized by:

Hypotension that may respond to fluid resuscitation

Signs of organ dysfunction, such as decreased urine output, altered mental status, or respiratory distress

The patient in the question does have some signs of organ dysfunction, such as confusion and crackles on lung auscultation. However, the hypotension is not as severe as typically seen in end-organ dysfunction shock, and there is no mention of other organ dysfunction like decreased urine output. Therefore, end-organ dysfunction is not the most likely stage.

Choice C rationale:

Early reversible shock is the initial stage of shock, where the body's compensatory mechanisms are still able to maintain blood pressure and organ perfusion. This stage is characterized by:

Mild to moderate hypotension Tachycardia

Cool, clammy skin Narrowed pulse pressure Restlessness or anxiety

The patient in the question presents with all of these signs and symptoms, making early reversible shock the most likely stage.

Choice D rationale:

Preshock is a state of impending shock, where the body's compensatory mechanisms are activated but not yet fully effective. This stage is characterized by:

Normal or slightly low blood pressure Tachycardia

Cool, clammy skin Restlessness or anxiety

The patient in the question has hypotension, which is not consistent with preshock. Therefore, preshock is not the correct stage.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Establishing an open airway is the most crucial and immediate action in any respiratory arrest situation, including when a client has heart failure. Here's a detailed explanation: 1. Airway patency is paramount for survival: Oxygen, the essential element for life, cannot reach the lungs and bloodstream without a clear and unobstructed airway. Brain cells are extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation and start to die within minutes without it, leading to irreversible brain damage or death. 2. Respiratory arrest in heart failure: Heart failure often leads to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which can significantly impair breathing. Respiratory arrest can occur due to: Excessive fluid accumulation in the lungs. Weakening of respiratory muscles due to fatigue or heart failure itself. Arrhythmias or heart blocks affecting heart's ability to pump effectively. 3. Steps to establish an open airway: Head tilt-chin lift maneuver: Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway. Jaw thrust maneuver: If a neck injury is suspected, use the jaw thrust maneuver to avoid further injury. Removal of any visible obstructions: Clear any visible foreign objects or fluids from the mouth or throat. Use of airway adjuncts: Consider using oral or nasal airways to maintain airway patency, especially if the patient is unconscious.

4. Rationale for other choices:

A. Auscultating for breath sounds: While important for assessment, it does not address the immediate need to establish airflow.

C. Establishing IV access: IV access is necessary for medications and fluids, but airway takes priority in respiratory arrest.

D. Feeling for a carotid pulse: Checking for a pulse is essential, but only after ensuring an open airway and attempting to restore breathing.

5. Importance of prioritizing airway: Establishing an open airway allows for potential rescue breaths and ventilation, which can help restore oxygen levels and prevent further deterioration. Even if a pulse is present, without a clear airway, oxygen cannot reach the vital organs, leading to organ failure and death.

A. Explain the importance and rationale of implementing the new policy to the nurse. B. Encourage the nurse to verbalize the reasons for resistance to the change. C. Indicate that there will be disciplinary consequences if the nurse does not implement the new policy. D. Ignore the resistance and allow peer pressure to facilitate a change in the nurse’s behavior.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

While explaining the importance and rationale of the new policy may be helpful in some cases, it may not be sufficient for nurses who are resistant to change. This approach assumes that the nurse's resistance is due to a lack of understanding, which may not be the case. It's possible that the nurse understands the rationale but has other concerns or objections.

Focusing solely on explaining the rationale can make the nurse feel they are not being listened to or that their concerns are not being valued. This can further contribute to resistance.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the nurse to verbalize their reasons for resistance allows the nurse manager to understand the root cause of the resistance. This could include:

Concerns about the effectiveness of the new policy

Belief that the new policy will create more work or make their job more difficult

Feeling that they were not adequately consulted or involved in the decision-making process Personal factors such as fear of change or a preference for established routines

Once the nurse manager understands the nurse's concerns, they can work together to address them and find ways to facilitate acceptance of the new policy. This approach fosters open communication, collaboration, and shared decision-making, which are essential for successful change management.

Choice C rationale:

Indicating disciplinary consequences may be necessary in some cases, but it should be a last resort. It can create a negative and hostile work environment, further alienate the nurse, and potentially lead to resentment and decreased morale among other staff members.

It's important to prioritize understanding and addressing the underlying reasons for resistance before resorting to disciplinary measures.

Choice D rationale:

Ignoring the resistance and relying on peer pressure is a passive and ineffective approach. It does not address the nurse's concerns and may even exacerbate the situation. This can lead to conflict among staff members, create a divide between those who support the change and those who resist it, and potentially compromise patient care.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and respiratory arrest. What should be the nurse’s first action?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A medical-surgical unit has implemented a policy change.The nurse manager notices that one of the nurses, who has a history of being resistant to change, is not delivering care according to the new policy.What action should the nurse manager take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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