Question

A patient in compensatory shock:?

1) should be treated with epinephrine by auto-injector
2) is compensating for the injury and does not need treatment
3) maintains adequate perfusion with vasoconstriction, increased HR and RR
4) will have a slow HR and RR and altered mental status

Answer 1

A patient in compensatory shock is attempting to maintain adequate perfusion through vasoconstriction and increased HR and RR. Despite the body's compensatory mechanisms, treatment including intravenous fluids and vasopressors like epinephrine may be necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient in compensatory shock maintains adequate perfusion through mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, increased heart rate (HR), and respiratory rate (RR). In this phase, the body is attempting to compensate for the injury and maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs. While the body is compensating, this does not necessarily mean that no treatment is needed. Treatments often involve providing intravenous fluids and may include drugs such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine to raise blood pressure. Specifically, epinephrine is used in cases of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, to counteract the drop in blood pressure and relax bronchial smooth muscle.