Nokea
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with hypovolemic shock. Which outcome would be the best evidence of an improvement in client condition?
- A. A rise in blood count
- B. Alertness in level of consciousness
- C. Increased heart rate
- D. Pulse oxygenation level of $92 \%$
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In hypovolemic shock, the volume of extracellular fluid is significantly diminished because of lost or reduced blood or plasma. Circulation is impaired. Alertness in the level of consciousness indicates improved circulation and thus oxygenation to the brain. A documented rise in blood count is promising unless tissue damage has already occurred. A decrease in heart rate would mean the heart is no longer struggling to circulate blood to meet tissue needs. A pulse oxygenation level of $92 \%$ is a good sign of available oxygen for the tissue.
You may also like to solve these questions
The community health nurse finds the client collapsed outdoors. The nurse assesses that the client is shallow breathing and has a weak pulse. Emergency medical services (EMS) is notified by the neighbor. Which nursing action is helpful while waiting for the ambulance?
- A. Place a cool compress on head.
- B. Elevate the legs higher than the heart.
- C. Shake the client to arouse.
- D. Cover the client with a blanket.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client has shallow respiration and a weak pulse implying limited circulation and gas exchange. Most helpful would be to elevate the legs higher than the heart to promote blood perfusion to the heart, lungs, and brain. A cool compress would not be helpful nor would shaking the client to arouse. A client can be covered with a blanket, but this is not the most helpful.
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 a critically ill client. Which of the following is the nurse correct to identify as a positive effect of catecholamine release during the compensation stage of shock?
- A. Decreased white blood cell count
- B. Increase in arterial oxygenation
- C. Decreased depressive symptoms
- D. Regulation of sodium and potassium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Catecholamines are neurotransmitters that stimulate responses via the sympathetic nervous system. Catecholamine release increases heart rate and myocardial contraction as well as bronchial dilation, improving the efficient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. They do not decrease WBCs or decrease the depressive symptoms. They do not regulate sodium and potassium.
The nurse is initiating intravenous therapy for a client who is in shock. Which ratio of fluid to fluid lost is anticipated?
- A. 1:01
- B. 2:01
- C. 3:01
- D. 4:01
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Usually, a ratio of $3 \mathrm{~L}$ of fluid is administered for every $1 \mathrm{~L}$ of fluid lost.
The nurse is caring for a client in septic shock. The nurse knows to closely monitor the client. What finding would the nurse observe when the client's condition is in its initial stages?
- A. A rapid, bounding pulse
- B. A slow but steady pulse
- C. A weak and thready pulse
- D. A slow and imperceptible pulse
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A rapid, bounding pulse is observed in a client in the initial stages of septic shock. In case of hypovolemic shock, the pulse volume becomes weak and thready and circulating volume diminishes in the initial stage. In the later stages when the circulating volume has severely diminished, the pulse becomes slow and imperceptible, and pulse rhythm changes from regular to irregular.