The young client has a history of multiple allergies, and the physician prescribed epinephrine (EpiPen) for prevention of anaphylactic shock. The client's mother says to the nurse, "I thought shock was about heart failure."

Question

What is the best response by the nurse? 1. "There are many kinds of shock that also include infection, nervous system damage, and loss of blood.".
2. "Heart failure is the most serious kind of shock; others include infection, kidney failure, and loss of blood.".
3. "There are many kinds of shock: heart failure, nervous system damage, loss of blood, and respiratory failure.".
4. "Allergic response is the most fatal type of shock; other types involve loss of blood, heart failure, and liver failure.".

Answer 1

1. "There are many kinds of shock that also include infection, nervous system damage, and loss of blood.

Rationale:
Obvious bleeding suggests hypovolemic shock; trauma to the brain or spinal cord suggests neurogenic shock; inadequate cardiac output suggests cardiogenic shock; a recent infection may indicate septic shock; and a history of allergies with a sudden onset of symptoms may suggest anaphylactic shock. Kidney failure is not a type of shock. Respiratory failure is not a type of shock. Liver failure is not a type of shock.