Nokea
The 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?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tachycardia, mental status change, and low urine output. In the early stages of shock, the body compensates by increasing heart rate (tachycardia) to maintain perfusion. Mental status change can indicate decreased cerebral perfusion. Low urine output is a sign of decreased renal perfusion.
A: Warm skin, hypertension, and constricted pupils are not indicative of shock. In shock, skin becomes cool and clammy, blood pressure drops, and pupils dilate.
B: Bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory acidosis are not early signs of shock. Bradycardia and hypotension occur in the late stages of shock. Respiratory acidosis is a complication of shock, not an early symptom.
C: Mottled skin, tachypnea, and hyperactive bowel sounds are signs of shock but not early indicators. Mottled skin appears in the late stages of shock, tach