One of the complications we might see of heart failure is cardiogenic shock. What kinds of signs and symptoms might you see and how do we treat? (Select all that apply)
Looks a lot like failure, both left and right, 53, crackles, hypertension. JVD, edema
Hypertension, 54, tracheal deviation, edema
Diuretics, insulin, ARBS
IV vasodilators (preload and afterload)
Positive inotropes to contractility
Circulatory assist devices
Correct Answer : A,D,E,F
A. Cardiogenic shock results from severe pump failure and presents with signs of both left- and right-sided heart failure. Left-sided failure leads to pulmonary congestion, manifested by crackles and dyspnea, while right-sided failure causes systemic venous congestion, including JVD and peripheral edema. Hypotension and poor perfusion develop as shock progresses. Early recognition of these signs allows prompt intervention.
B. Tracheal deviation is not associated with cardiogenic shock; it indicates tension pneumothorax or large pleural effusion. Hypertension alone is not typical of cardiogenic shock, which usually presents with hypotension and low cardiac output.
C. While diuretics and ARBs are part of chronic heart failure management, they are not first-line treatments for acute cardiogenic shock. Insulin is unrelated unless the patient has diabetes. Acute shock management requires hemodynamic support rather than standard outpatient medications.
D. IV vasodilators, such as nitroprusside or nitroglycerin, reduce preload and afterload, improving cardiac output and tissue perfusion in cardiogenic shock. Careful monitoring is needed to prevent hypotension.
E. Positive inotropes, like dobutamine or milrinone, increase myocardial contractility, improving cardiac output in cardiogenic shock. They are often used in combination with vasodilators or mechanical support for optimal hemodynamic stabilization.
F. Mechanical support devices, such as intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) or ventricular assist devices (VADs), can be used in refractory cardiogenic shock to improve perfusion, reduce cardiac workload, and stabilize the patient until recovery or definitive therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While consulting with advanced practice nurses can provide guidance and expertise, this does not guarantee that care is evidence-based or consistently aligned with research. It depends on individual knowledge and experience rather than standardized research-based protocols.
B. Following a physician’s personal preferences may guide care, but these preferences may not always reflect current evidence or best practices. Relying solely on provider preference risks variability and inconsistency in patient care.
C. Clinical practice guidelines are systematically developed recommendations based on rigorous review of current research and evidence. Following these guidelines helps critical care nurses provide care that is consistent, safe, and supported by research, reducing variability and improving patient outcomes.
D. While computerized order entry helps reduce errors in transcription and ensures legible orders, it does not ensure that the interventions themselves are evidence-based. The tool supports safety and efficiency but is not a substitute for evidence-based practice.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Partial occlusion of a coronary artery with a thrombus is correct because unstable angina is caused by the formation of a thrombus that partially blocks a coronary artery. This leads to reduced oxygen supply to the myocardium, resulting in ischemia without causing cell death. The pain is unpredictable and may occur at rest or with minimal exertion. Prompt recognition is essential to prevent progression to myocardial infarction.
B. Complete occlusion of a coronary artery is incorrect because this leads to a myocardial infarction (MI), where the blood supply to a portion of the myocardium is completely blocked, causing irreversible myocardial necrosis. In MI, cardiac enzymes such as troponin are elevated, whereas in unstable angina they remain normal.
C. Vasospasm of a coronary artery is incorrect because it is characteristic of variant (Prinzmetal) angina, not unstable angina. Vasospasm causes temporary, episodic reduction in blood flow, usually at rest, often associated with transient ST-segment elevation on ECG. Unlike unstable angina, it is not typically caused by thrombus formation or plaque rupture.
D. Fatty streak within the intima of a coronary artery is incorrect because fatty streaks are early atherosclerotic lesions composed of lipid-laden macrophages and do not significantly obstruct blood flow. They are generally asymptomatic and present long before the development of clinically significant angina. Unstable angina occurs later, often due to plaque rupture and thrombus formation on more advanced atherosclerotic lesions.
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