The nurse caring for a client in the early stages of hypovolemic shock who is hyperventilating. The nurse monitors for which acid-base imbalance based on this clinical presentation?

Respiratory acidosis.

Respiratory alkalosis.

Metabolic acidosis.

Metabolic alkalosis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate ventilation, leading to increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Hyperventilation would not cause respiratory acidosis.

Choice B reason: Respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation results in excessive expulsion of carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in carbonic acid levels in the blood. This causes respiratory alkalosis, which is expected in the early stages of hypovolemic shock as the body attempts to compensate for decreased oxygen delivery.

Choice C reason: Metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis results from an accumulation of acid or loss of bicarbonate in the body. It is typically seen in the later stages of shock when lactic acid builds up due to anaerobic metabolism.

Choice D reason: Metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis occurs due to an excessive loss of acids (e.g., through vomiting) or an accumulation of bicarbonate. Hyperventilation does not cause metabolic alkalosis.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

In a state of shock, the body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs such as the myocardium (heart muscle) and the brain. This is because these organs are essential for survival, and their function is critical. The body's compensatory mechanisms ensure that blood is diverted to these areas to maintain their perfusion, even at the expense of less vital organs.

Choice B reason:

The pulmonary vasculature, which involves the blood vessels of the lungs, is important for gas exchange but is not specifically prioritized in the same way that the myocardium and brain are during shock. While maintaining adequate oxygenation is crucial, the body’s immediate focus is on sustaining the heart and brain.

Choice C reason:

The small and large bowel are not considered high-priority organs during shock. Blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract can be reduced to preserve perfusion to more vital organs. This reduced blood flow can result in decreased bowel activity and hypoactive bowel sounds.

Choice D reason:

While the hepatic (liver) and renal (kidneys) vasculature are important for detoxification and fluid balance, they are not prioritized over the heart and brain during shock. Reduced perfusion to these organs can lead to liver and kidney dysfunction, but the immediate priority is ensuring the survival of the heart and brain.

A. Elevate the head of the bed B. Provide immediate pain relief C. Monitor intake and output D. Practice careful and consistent hand hygiene

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Elevating the head of the bed is a common practice in patient care but is not directly related to preventing hypovolemic shock. This action can help with respiratory comfort and drainage but does not address fluid balance or blood volume, which are critical in preventing hypovolemic shock.

Choice B reason:

Providing immediate pain relief is important for patient comfort and recovery but does not directly prevent hypovolemic shock. While controlling pain can reduce stress on the body, it does not address the fluid and blood volume concerns central to preventing hypovolemic shock.

Choice C reason:

Monitoring intake and output is crucial in preventing hypovolemic shock, especially in postoperative patients. This helps to ensure that fluid balance is maintained, and any significant losses (e.g., through bleeding, vomiting, or excessive drainage) are promptly addressed. Accurate monitoring allows for early intervention to prevent hypovolemic shock.

Choice D reason:

Practicing careful and consistent hand hygiene is essential for preventing infections, which can lead to septic shock, but it is not directly related to preventing hypovolemic shock. While important, hand hygiene does not specifically address the fluid and blood volume issues involved in hypovolemic shock.

View Question and Answer

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

The nurse caring for a client in the early stages of hypovolemic shock who is hyperventilating. The nurse monitors for which acid-base imbalance based on this clinical presentation?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

In a state of shock, the body attempts to maintain homeostasis by maintaining priority blood flow to the:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient recovering from surgery. What action should the nurse perform to prevent the onset of hypovolemic shock?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which assessment findings indicate to the nurse that a client is exhibiting early clinical manifestations of the compensatory stage of shock? (Select all that apply.)

Cardiac output (CO) equals:

What is an integumentary manifestation of anaphylactic shock?

The nurse understands that which hemodynamic parameters are consistent with hypovolemic shock? Decreased cardiac output and:

The nurse working in the ICU is receiving a client diagnosed with late septic shock. The nurse correlates which clinical manifestations to this stage of septic shock?

During the initial stage of shock, which manifestation should the nurse monitor for when assessing the client?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is the victim of a traumatic motor vehicle accident. Vital signs are: T-98.8°F oral, P-140, B/P-86/52, R-28, pulse oximetry-92% on room air. The nurse would suspect which type of shock?

The nurse caring for a client in the early stages of hypovolemic shock who is hyperventilating. The nurse monitors for which acid-base imbalance based on this clinical presentation?