A client has arrived in the emergency department in cardiogenic shock. Which of the following assessment findings confirm this diagnosis? Select all that apply

Question

A) Bright red color noted in the nail beds and lips
B) Less than 5 mL dark, concentrated urine in the past hour
C) BP reading of 80/65
D) Difficult to arouse with changes in level of consciousness
E) Diminished breath sounds in the bases, bilaterally

Answer 1

Ans: B, C, D
Feedback:
The signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock are consistent with those of end-stage heart failure. The lips, nail beds, and skin may become cyanotic because of stagnation of blood flow. Mean arterial and systolic blood pressures decrease due to poor stroke volume, and there is a narrow pulse pressure because of arterial vasoconstriction. Urine output decreases because of lower renal perfusion pressures and the increased release of aldosterone. Neurologic changes, such as alterations in cognition or consciousness, may occur because of low cardiac output and poor cerebral perfusion.