The nurse in the ICU is admitting a 57year-old-man with a diagnosis of possible septic shock
When the nurse assesses him, she notes that the patient has a normal blood pressure, increased heart rate, decreased bowel sounds, and his skin is cold and clammy. What would the nurse suspect?
A) The patient is in the compensatory stage of shock.
B) The patient is in the progressive stage of shock.
C) The patient will stabilize and be released by tomorrow.
D) The patient is in the irreversible stage of shock.
Ans: A
Feedback: In the compensatory stage of shock, the blood pressure remains within normal limits. Vasoconstriction, increased heart rate, and increased contractility of the heart contribute to maintaining adequate cardiac output. Patients display the often-described "fight or flight" response. The body shunts blood from organs such as the skin, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract to the brain and heart to ensure adequate blood supply to these vital organs. As a result, the skin is cool and clammy, and his bowel sounds are hypoactive. Option B is incorrect; in progressive shock, the blood pressure drops. Option C is incorrect; in septic shock, the patient's chance of survival is low and he will certainly not be released within 24 hours. Option D is incorrect; if the patient were in the irreversible stage of shock, his blood pressure would be very low and his organs would be failing.
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