Varneys Midwifery Test Bank Related

Review Varneys Midwifery Test Bank related questions and content

P. T. is a 58-year-old female who is admitted with chest pain and shortness of breath and is found to have a large pulmonary embolus. Her systolic blood pressure is falling, and a diagnosis of obstructive shock is made. Cardiac pressure would likely demonstrate

  • A. Elevated atrial and decreased ventricular pressures
  • B. Elevated right-sided and decreased left-sided pressures
  • C. Elevated left ventricular pressure and decreased cardiac output
  • D. Elevated left ventricular pressure and decreased systemic vascular resistance
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Obstructive shock, such as in this case of a large pulmonary embolus causing obstructive shock, results in a sudden increase in right ventricular afterload due to obstruction of blood flow. This leads to right heart failure and decreased left ventricular preload, ultimately resulting in decreased cardiac output. The elevated right-sided pressures will be reflected by elevated right atrial and ventricular pressures, while the left ventricular pressures will be decreased due to decreased preload. This commonly leads to a situation known as acute cor pulmonale, where the right heart becomes dilated and dysfunctional in response to the increased afterload.