The pathophysiology of shock is best described as:
severe blood loss as a result of trauma.
catatonia as a result of a psychological disturbance.
tachycardia and hypotension.
an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Severe blood loss due to trauma can lead to hypovolemic shock, a specific type of shock. However, this description is not comprehensive enough to cover the pathophysiology of all types of shock. Shock involves various mechanisms and can occur due to different underlying causes beyond just blood loss, such as cardiac failure, infections, or neurological issues.
Choice B reason:
Catatonia is a state of psychomotor immobility and behavioral abnormality stemming from psychological disturbances, not a direct feature of shock. While mental status changes can be a symptom of shock, catatonia itself is not a defining characteristic of the condition. The pathophysiology of shock involves physiological imbalances rather than purely psychological disturbances.
Choice C reason:
Tachycardia (increased heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure) are symptoms that can occur during shock, but they do not describe the underlying pathophysiology. These signs are the body's response to the decreased perfusion and oxygen delivery to tissues. The fundamental issue in shock is the failure to meet the body's metabolic demands due to impaired oxygen delivery, which is better captured by another option.
Choice D reason:
An imbalance between oxygen supply and demand is the core issue in all types of shock. Whether due to blood loss, heart failure, or systemic infection, shock results in insufficient oxygen delivery to meet the needs of tissues and organs. This imbalance leads to cellular hypoxia and subsequent organ dysfunction, encapsulating the essential pathophysiological process of shock.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Stroke volume x heart rate. Cardiac output is the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, calculated by multiplying the stroke volume (the amount of blood ejected with each heartbeat) by the heart rate (the number of beats per minute).
Choice B reason: Afterload x preload. Afterload and preload are important factors influencing cardiac function but do not directly calculate cardiac output. Afterload refers to the resistance the heart must overcome to eject blood, and preload refers to the initial stretching of the heart muscle prior to contraction.
Choice C reason: Ejection fraction x blood pressure. Ejection fraction is a measure of the percentage of blood ejected from the heart with each beat, and blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. These factors influence cardiac function but do not directly calculate cardiac output.
Choice D reason: Systolic x diastolic BP. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure are measurements of pressure during heartbeats and between beats, respectively. They are not used to calculate cardiac output.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Septic shock is caused by severe infections leading to systemic inflammation and vasodilation. Symptoms often include fever, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, and signs of infection. While the vital signs in this scenario include tachycardia and hypotension, there is no indication of infection, fever, or other signs that would suggest sepsis as the primary cause of the shock.
Choice B reason:
Hypovolemic shock results from a significant loss of blood or fluids, common in traumatic injuries. The patient's tachycardia, hypotension, and decreased pulse oximetry indicate a possible significant blood loss due to the trauma from the motor vehicle accident. These signs are typical for hypovolemic shock, making it the most likely diagnosis given the context.
Choice C reason:
Cardiogenic shock is caused by the heart's failure to pump effectively, often due to myocardial infarction or heart disease. While hypotension and tachycardia are present, there are no other indicators, such as chest pain or history of heart disease, to suggest that the patient's shock is cardiogenic in nature. The context of a traumatic accident points more towards hypovolemic shock.
Choice D reason:
Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction causing widespread vasodilation and bronchoconstriction. Symptoms include sudden hypotension, tachycardia, and difficulty breathing. There is no mention of an allergen exposure or typical allergic reactions (such as rash, itching, or swelling) in the patient's history, making anaphylactic shock an unlikely cause of the symptoms described.
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