Nokea
The nurse is caring for a client in the irreversible stage of shock. The nurse is explaining to the client's family the poor prognosis. Which would the nurse be most accurate to explain as the rationale for imminent death?
- A. Endotoxins in the system
- B. Limited gas exchange
- C. Brain death
- D. Multiple organ failure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the irreversible stage of shock, significant cells and organs are damaged. The client's condition reaches a 'point of no return' despite treatment efforts. Death occurs from multiple system failure as the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, and brain cease to function.
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The nurse is obtaining physician orders which include a pulse pressure. The nurse is correct to report which of the following?
- A. The difference between an apical and radial pulse
- B. The difference between an upper extremity and lower extremity blood pressure
- C. The difference between the systolic and diastolic pressure
- D. The difference between the arterial and venous blood pressure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse would report the difference between the systolic blood pressure number and the diastolic blood pressure number as the pulse pressure.
The nurse is reporting the current nursing assessment to the physician. Vital signs: temperature, $97.2^{\circ} \mathrm{F}$; pulse, 68 beats/minute, thready; respiration, 28 breaths/minute, blood pressure, $102 / 78 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$; and pedal pulses, palpable. The physician asks for the pulse pressure. Which would the nurse report?
- A. Within normal limits
- B. Thready
- C. 24
- D. Palpable
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The pulse pressure is the numeric difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure. By subtracting the two numbers, the physician would be told 24 . The pulse pressure does not report quality of the pulse.
The nurse is caring for a client with highly pigmented skin. Which assessment technique is used to evaluate cyanosis?
- A. Blanch the nailbeds.
- B. Inspect the conjunctiva.
- C. Note dullness in skin color.
- D. Assess the earlobe.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In clients with highly pigmented skin, cyanosis is more accurately detected by inspecting the conjunctiva and oral mucous membranes. The other options do not provide the best assessment for cyanosis.
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.
A nurse is evaluating a mechanically ventilated client in the intensive care unit to identify improvement in the client's condition. Which outcome does the nurse note as the result of inadequate compensatory mechanisms?
- A. Liver dysfunction
- B. Organ damage
- C. Weight loss
- D. Unsteady gait
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When the body is unable to counteract the effects of shock, further system failure occurs, leading to organ damage and ultimately death. Liver dysfunction may occur as one of the organs that fail. Weight fluctuations may occur if the client retains fluid or is administered a diuretic. Large fluctuations are not noted between shifts. The client's unsteady gait is not a result of an inadequate compensatory mechanism with shock but a result of immobility.