Complete the following sentence with one of the options regarding the pathophysiology of this type of shock.
The nurse is caring for an elderly patient from a nursing home diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. The nurse assesses the patient as hypotensive, tachycardic, febrile, tachypneic, and with an altered mental status. The nurse understands that the pathophysiology of this type of shock is caused by___

Massive blood loss leading to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues

Severe allergic reaction causing systemic vasodilation and increased capillary permeability

Infection causing a systemic inflammatory response leading to vasodilation and decreased tissue perfusion

Cardiac failure resulting in inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Massive blood loss leading to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues

This describes hypovolemic shock, which occurs due to significant blood or fluid loss (e.g., hemorrhage, severe dehydration). In this scenario, there is no evidence of massive blood loss, making hypovolemic shock unlikely.

B. Severe allergic reaction causing systemic vasodilation and increased capillary permeability

This describes anaphylactic shock, which results from an acute allergic reaction (e.g., to food, medication, insect stings). There is no mention of an allergen exposure or symptoms like wheezing, stridor, or urticaria, making anaphylactic shock unlikely.

C. Infection causing a systemic inflammatory response leading to vasodilation and decreased tissue perfusion

This patient is exhibiting signs of septic shock, which occurs as a result of a severe infection leading to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The presence of fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, and altered mental status strongly suggests sepsis progressing to septic shock.

D. Cardiac failure resulting in inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation

This describes cardiogenic shock, which occurs due to heart failure (e.g., from myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy). It leads to low cardiac output, pulmonary congestion, and organ hypoperfusion. This patient’s infection and systemic inflammation suggest septic shock, not a primary cardiac event.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Massive blood loss leading to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues

B. Severe allergic reaction causing systemic vasodilation and increased capillary permeability

C. Infection causing a systemic inflammatory response leading to vasodilation and decreased tissue perfusion

D. Cardiac failure resulting in inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation

A. Atropine 1mg IV push B. Epinephrine 1 mg (1:10,000) IV X1 C. Adenosine 6 mg IV push D. Milrinone 50 mcg/kg IV push

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Atropine 1 mg IV push

A C3 spinal cord injury disrupts sympathetic control, causing bradycardia. Atropine is the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia.

B. Epinephrine 1 mg IV

Epinephrine is used for cardiac arrest, not initial management of bradycardia.

C. Adenosine 6 mg IV push

Adenosine is used for supraventricular tachycardia, not bradycardia.

D. Milrinone 50 mcg/kg IV push

Milrinone is an inotrope used in heart failure, not bradycardia.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client with a spinal cord injury at C3. The nurse notices on the cardiac monitor a heart rate of 30 beats per minute & upon assessment of the patient, a change in mental status. What medication does the nurse anticipate will be ordered by the physician STAT?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is caring for an 82-year-old client with a history of coronary artery disease. ML. and CHF. The client is to receive 2 units of packed red blood cells for acute blood loss from a Grbleed. What would be the nursing priorities for blood administration of this client? (Select All that Apply)

The client who is experiencing septic shock is started on norepinephrine by intravenous drip via pump. Which frequent assessments should the nurse prioritize while administering this medication? (Select All that Apply)

The nurse is caring for a client, with no other pertinent medical history, who was burned over 709% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) and weighs 70kg. Using the Parkland Formula, calculate the amount of intravenous fluid required in the first 8 hours after the burn.

The nurse is assessing a client for Brudzinskis sign as part of their neurologic assessment. Which of the following are appropriate actions by the nurse when performing this technique? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

How should the nurse evaluate the client's motor ability and function?

The nurse is caring for a client with 40% full thickness burned total body surface area (TBSA) in the Emergency Department. The nurse is awaiting transfer to a regional burn center within 20 minutes. What is the most appropriate initial wound care management while awaiting transfer?

The nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBC's) to a patient whose blood type is A- (negative). The nurse knows that this patient can receive transfusions from which blood types? (Select All that Apply)

The nurse is preparing to start a transfusion of packed red blood cells. Which IV site should the nurse use?