Final answer:
Cardiogenic shock should be suspected in a patient with a combination of increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, confusion, and thirst.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse might suspect that a patient is in cardiogenic shock if the patient, who is scheduled for surgery, demonstrates symptoms such as an increased heart rate but decreased blood pressure, confusion, thirst, and potentially low urine output.
Cardiogenic shock primarily results from the heart’s inability to maintain adequate cardiac output, often due to a myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, or other cardiac conditions.
These symptoms arise because the circulatory system fails to supply enough oxygen and other nutrients to tissues, which can lead to life-threatening consequences if not addressed promptly.