Nokea
The new RN is being mentored while caring for a patient with neurogenic shock. Which of the following actions by the new RN indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. Keeping the room temperature at 75°F to prevent hypothermia
- B. Checking the heart rate every 1-2 hours
- C. Preparing to administer prescribed IV atropine
- D. Increasing the nitroprusside infusion rate for a patient with a high SVR
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Increasing the nitroprusside infusion rate is inappropriate for neurogenic shock, as it is a vasodilator and could worsen hypotension. The other actionsâ??maintaining warm room temperature, monitoring heart rate, and preparing atropineâ??are appropriate for managing neurogenic shock, which involves bradycardia and hypothermia risk.
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The nurse is caring for a patient in the emergency department (ED) with massive trauma and possible spinal cord injury. Which of the following findings by the nurse will help confirm a diagnosis of neurogenic shock?
- A. Cool, clammy skin
- B. Inspiratory crackles
- C. Apical heart rate 48 beats/minute
- D. Temperature 38.4°C (101.1°F)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Neurogenic shock is characterized by hypotension and bradycardia due to loss of sympathetic tone, as seen with an apical heart rate of 48 beats/minute. Cool, clammy skin is more typical of hypovolemic or cardiogenic shock, inspiratory crackles suggest pulmonary edema, and fever is not specific to neurogenic shock.
During change-of-shift report, the nurse learns that a patient has been admitted with dehydration and hypotension after having vomiting and diarrhea for 3 days. Which of the following findings is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?
- A. Decreased bowel sounds
- B. Apical pulse 110 beats/minute
- C. Pale, cool, and dry extremities
- D. New onset of confusion and agitation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: New onset confusion and agitation indicate progression to the progressive stage of hypovolemic shock, signaling inadequate cerebral perfusion and the need for immediate intervention. The other findings are consistent with compensatory shock but are less urgent.
A patient who has been involved in a motor vehicle crash is admitted to the emergency department (ED) with cool, clammy skin, tachycardia, and hypotension. Which of the following prescribed interventions should the nurse implement first?
- A. Place the patient on continuous cardiac monitor
- B. Draw blood to type and cross-match for transfusions
- C. Insert two 14-gauge IV catheters
- D. Administer oxygen at 100% per non-rebreather mask
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Administering oxygen at 100% via a non-rebreather mask is the first priority to ensure adequate oxygenation and support airway and breathing in a patient with hypovolemic shock from trauma. Cardiac monitoring, IV insertion, and blood draws follow to support circulation.
The nurse is assessing a patient who is receiving a nitroprusside infusion to treat cardiogenic shock. Which of the following findings indicates that the medication is effective?
- A. No heart murmur is audible
- B. Skin is warm and dry
- C. Troponin level is decreased
- D. Blood pressure is 90/40 mm Hg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Warm, dry skin indicates improved tissue perfusion, a sign that nitroprusside, a vasodilator, is effective in reducing afterload and improving cardiac output in cardiogenic shock. Low blood pressure, absence of a heart murmur, or decreased troponin levels are not specific indicators of nitroprusside's effectiveness.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first when a patient in the emergency department develops anaphylactic shock?
- A. Administer normal saline 500 mL IV
- B. Insert a second IV catheter
- C. Administer epinephrine 0.3 mg intramuscularly
- D. Start a dopamine infusion at 5 mcg/kg/minute
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylactic shock, as it rapidly reverses vasodilation, bronchoconstriction, and histamine effects. Fluid resuscitation, additional IV access, and vasopressors like dopamine are secondary actions after epinephrine administration.