HESI RN CAT Exit Exam 1 Related

Review HESI RN CAT Exit Exam 1 related questions and content

The nurse preceptor is orienting a new graduate nurse to the critical care unit. The preceptor asks the new graduate to state symptoms that most likely indicate the beginning of a shock state in a critically ill client. What findings should the new graduate nurse identify?

  • A. Tachycardia, mental status change, and low urine output
  • B. Warm skin, hypertension, and constricted pupils
  • C. Bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory acidosis
  • D. Mottled skin, tachypnea, and hyperactive bowel sounds
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tachycardia, mental status change, and low urine output are early signs of shock. Tachycardia is the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain perfusion, mental status changes can indicate decreased cerebral perfusion, and low urine output reflects poor renal perfusion. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Warm skin, hypertension, and constricted pupils are not typical findings in the early stages of shock. Bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory acidosis are more indicative of late-stage shock. Mottled skin, tachypnea, and hyperactive bowel sounds can be seen in various conditions but are not specific early signs of shock.