What is a late sign of septic shock?
Anorexia and nausea
Generalized malaise
Slowed shallow respirations
Decreased temperature
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Anorexia and nausea are common symptoms in many illnesses, including septic shock, but they are not specific late signs. These symptoms can occur early in the disease process and are not definitive indicators of the severity of the condition.
Choice B reason:
Generalized malaise, a feeling of overall discomfort and fatigue, is a nonspecific symptom that can occur in many conditions, including septic shock. It is not a specific late sign and can be present at various stages of the illness.
Choice C reason:
Slowed, shallow respirations can be a sign of respiratory failure, which can occur in severe sepsis or septic shock. However, it is not a specific late sign of septic shock itself. Respiratory patterns can vary depending on the underlying cause and progression of the shock.
Choice D reason:
Decreased temperature, or hypothermia, is a late sign of septic shock. As the body’s compensatory mechanisms fail, the ability to maintain normal body temperature is impaired. This can result in hypothermia, indicating severe and advanced septic shock. The body's metabolic processes slow down, and the overall prognosis becomes poorer as hypothermia sets in.
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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypotension, rapid thready pulse, cool pale skin. In the compensatory stage of shock, the body attempts to maintain blood pressure and perfusion by increasing the heart rate and constricting blood vessels. Despite these efforts, hypotension can occur, and the skin may become cool and pale due to reduced blood flow to the periphery.
Choice B reason: Increased urine output. In shock, particularly during the compensatory stage, urine output typically decreases as the body attempts to conserve fluids. Increased urine output would not be expected in this context.
Choice C reason: Pale, mottled, or cyanotic skin. These skin changes are more characteristic of the progressive or irreversible stages of shock, indicating severe hypoperfusion and tissue hypoxia. In the compensatory stage, the skin is usually cool and pale, but not yet mottled or cyanotic.
Choice D reason: Stupor and loss of reflexes. These neurological changes are more typical of the later stages of shock when perfusion to the brain is severely compromised. In the compensatory stage, mental status changes may be present but are less severe.
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