ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 14 : Shock and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome Questions
Question 1 of 5
The ICU nurse is caring for a patient in neurogenic shock following an overdose of antianxiety medication. When assessing this patient, the nurse should recognize what characteristic of neurogenic shock?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In neurogenic shock, the sympathetic system is not able to respond to body stressors.
Therefore, the clinical characteristics of neurogenic shock are signs of parasympathetic stimulation. It is characterized by dry, warm skin rather than the cool, moist skin seen in hypovolemic shock. Another characteristic is hypotension with bradycardia, rather than the tachycardia that characterizes other forms of shock.
Question 2 of 5
The critical care nurse is preparing to initiate an infusion of a vasoactive medication to a patient in shock. The nurse knows that vasoactive medications are given in all forms of shock. What is the primary goal of this aspect of treatment?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vasoactive medications can be administered in all forms of shock to improve the patients hemodynamic stability when fluid therapy alone cannot maintain adequate MAP. Specific medications are selected to correct the particular hemodynamic alteration that is impeding cardiac output. These medications help increase the strength of myocardial contractility, regulate the heart rate, reduce myocardial resistance, and initiate vasoconstriction. They are not specifically used to prevent emboli, edema, or infarcts.
Question 3 of 5
The ICU nurse caring for a patient in shock is administering vasoactive medications as per orders. The nurse should know that vasoactive medications should be administered in what way?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Whenever possible, vasoactive medications should be administered through a central venous line because infiltration and extravasation of some vasoactive medications can cause tissue necrosis and sloughing. An IV pump or controller must be used to ensure that the medications are delivered safely and accurately. They are never mixed with parenteral nutrition.
Question 4 of 5
The ICU nurse is caring for a patient in hypovolemic shock following a postpartum hemorrhage. For what serious complication of treatment should the nurse monitor the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a serious complication that may occur when large volumes of fluid are administered. The scenario does not describe an antigen-antibody reaction of any type. Decreased oxygen consumption by the body is not a concern in hypovolemic shock. With a decrease in fluids in the intravascular space, increased serum osmolality would occur.
Question 5 of 5
Sepsis is an evolving process, with neither clearly definable clinical signs and symptoms nor predictable progression. As the ICU nurse caring for a patient with sepsis, the nurse knows that tissue perfusion declines during sepsis and the patient begins to show signs of organ dysfunction. What sign would indicate to the nurse that end-organ damage may be occurring?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: As sepsis progresses, tissues become less perfused and acidotic, compensation begins to fail, and the patient begins to show signs of organ dysfunction. The cardiovascular system also begins to fail, the blood pressure does not respond to fluid resuscitation and vasoactive agents, and signs of end-organ damage are evident (e.g., renal failure, pulmonary failure, hepatic failure). As sepsis progresses to septic shock, the blood pressure drops, and the skin becomes cool, pale, and mottled. Temperature may be normal or below normal. Heart and respiratory rates remain rapid. Urine production ceases, and multiple organ dysfunction progressing to death occurs. Adventitious lung sounds occur throughout the lung fields, not just in the upper fields of the lungs.