A nurse and a newly licensed nurse are providing care for a client who has distributive shock. How should the nurse explain the pathophysiology of distributive shock to the newly licensed nurse?
"Distributive shock occurs due to increased systemic vascular resistance."
"Distributive shock occurs due to systemic vasodilation."
"Distributive shock occurs due to loss of myocardial contractility."
"Distributive shock occurs due to loss of blood volume."
The Correct Answer is B
A. Increased systemic vascular resistance is typically associated with hypovolemic or cardiogenic shock, not distributive shock.
B. Distributive shock is characterized by systemic vasodilation, which leads to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and results in inadequate tissue perfusion despite normal or increased cardiac output.
C. Loss of myocardial contractility is related to cardiogenic shock, not distributive shock.
D. Loss of blood volume is a characteristic of hypovolemic shock, whereas distributive shock occurs even when blood volume is normal due to vasodilation.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Oliguria, or decreased urine output, is a common finding in hypovolemia due to reduced renal perfusion and decreased blood flow to the kidneys.
B. Hypertension is unlikely in hypovolemia; instead, clients typically exhibit hypotension due to decreased circulating blood volume.
C. Bradycardia is not a typical finding in hypovolemia; instead, tachycardia is more commonly observed as the body compensates for reduced blood volume.
D. Peripheral edema is associated with fluid overload rather than hypovolemia, as a decrease in blood volume usually leads to less fluid accumulation in the tissues.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Anuria, or the absence of urine output, indicates significant renal impairment and is a later sign of shock.
B. Hypotension is a classic sign of shock but occurs after compensatory mechanisms have failed.
C. An increased respiratory rate is often one of the earliest indicators of shock, as the body attempts to compensate for reduced oxygenation and tissue perfusion by increasing respiratory effort.
D. A decreased level of consciousness can occur with prolonged shock but typically presents after other compensatory mechanisms have been overwhelmed.