Nokea
A client presents to the ED in shock. At what point in shock does the nurse know that metabolic acidosis is going to occur?
- A. Compensation
- B. Irreversible
- C. Early
- D. Decompensation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The decompensation stage occurs as compensatory mechanisms fail. The client's condition spirals into cellular hypoxia, coagulation defects, and cardiovascular changes. As the energy supply falls below the demand, pyruvic and lactic acids increase, and pH decreases, causing metabolic acidosis. Therefore, 'compensation', 'irreversible', and 'early' are incorrect.
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A nurse educator is teaching students the types of shock and associated causes. Which combination(s) of shock type and causative factors is correct? Select all that apply.
- A. Hypovolemic shock; blood loss
- B. Obstructive shock; kidney stone
- C. Cardiogenic shock; myocardial infarction
- D. Anaphylactic shock; nut allergy
- E. Septic shock; infection
- F. Neurogenic shock; diabetes
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when arterial blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues and cells are inadequate. Hypovolemic shock occurs when the volume of extracellular fluid is significantly diminished due to the loss of or reduced blood or plasma. Obstructive shock occurs when there is interference in blood flow through the heart. Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart is ineffective in pumping possibly due to a myocardial infarction. Anaphylactic shock occurs from an allergen such as nuts. Septic shock occurs from a bacterial infection. Neurogenic shock results from an insult to the vasomotor center in the medulla or peripheral nerves.
Which compensatory mechanism, during the first stage of shock, does the nurse identify as responsible for stabilization of fluid balance?
- A. Catecholamines
- B. Corticosteroid hormones
- C. Renin-angiotensin
- D. Aldosterone
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Corticosteroids, including mineral corticoids such as aldosterone, conserve sodium and promote potassium excretion. This plays an active role in controlling sodium and water balance. Catecholamines impact the sympathetic nervous system. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system impacts blood volume.
The seasoned nurse is instructing the new graduate on information obtained from central venous pressure and pulmonary artery pressure. Which statement, made by the seasoned nurse, reflects the most pertinent information regarding circulation?
- A. Central venous pressure reflects the pressure in the right atrium or venae cavae.'
- B. A pulmonary artery pressure provides information about pressure on the left side of the heart.'
- C. The trend in central venous pressure is more helpful than isolated readings.'
- D. Pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary capillary pressure is assessed by an inserted catheter.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most pertinent information to share with a new nurse is the information that the pulmonary artery pressure provides essential information about the effectiveness of left ventricle. The left ventricle is most pertinent to circulation. The other information is correct but not as pertinent.
The nurse is caring for the client with massive blood loss from a gunshot wound, and type-specific blood is currently not available for transfusion. With little time to spare, which blood type does the nurse infuse?
- A. Type A+
- B. Type B+
- C. Type A/B-
- D. Type O-
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When type-specific blood is not available and a transfusion is required, type $\mathrm{O}-$ blood is infused. Type A+, B+, and Type A/B- are not infused when type-specific blood is not available.
The nurse is caring for a client with shock accompanied by lung congestion. How would the nurse position this client?
- A. Completely supine
- B. Low Fowler's with legs flat
- C. Supine with lower extremities raised to approximately $45^{\circ}$
- D. Semi-Fowler's with lower extremities raised to approximately $15^{\circ}$
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: For a client with shock accompanied by lung congestion, the nurse should raise the client's upper body to approximately $45^{\circ}$ and lower extremities to approximately $15^{\circ}$. Elevating the upper body lowers the diaphragm and provides more room for lung expansion and gas exchange. Elevating the head reduces intracranial pressure. Elevating the legs promotes blood perfusion to the heart, lungs, and brain.