Question

Nurse is caring for a patient who has active bleeding from peptic ulcer disease. Which of the following findings is an indication that the patient is experiencing compensatory shock?

A. Decreased diastolic BP
B. Increased heart rate
C respiratory rate of 14
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds

Answer 1

An increased heart rate is a sign of compensatory shock in a patient with active bleeding from peptic ulcer disease, indicating their body is attempting to maintain blood flow despite reduced blood volume.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of a patient experiencing active bleeding from peptic ulcer disease, an indication that the patient is experiencing compensatory shock, particularly hypovolemic shock, is an increased heart rate (B). This physiological response aims to maintain blood flow and blood pressure in the face of reduced blood volume. Other signs may include a decrease in diastolic blood pressure, but the respiratory rate might not show a significant increase initially, and bowel sounds may be hypoactive or normal due to the body prioritizing vital organs. The patient could also exhibit signs of confusion, decreased urine output, and cool, clammy skin.

Answer 2

Increased heart rate is indicative of compensatory shock as the body attempts to maintain cardiac output and perfusion to vital organs in response to decreased blood volume from active bleeding. Thus, the correct answer is B. Increased heart rate.

Step-by-step explanation:

Compensatory shock occurs when the body attempts to maintain blood flow and perfusion to vital organs in response to decreased blood volume or pressure due to conditions like active bleeding. In this scenario, an increased heart rate (option B) is a classic sign of compensatory shock.

When the body detects a drop in blood pressure due to bleeding, the heart rate elevates as a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output and ensure adequate blood flow to vital organs. This increase in heart rate helps to preserve organ function by attempting to compensate for the reduced blood volume.

While options A, C, and D may occur in various conditions, they do not specifically reflect compensatory shock. A decreased diastolic blood pressure (option A) might be present in shock but isn't a definitive indication of compensatory shock.

A respiratory rate of 14 (option C) within normal range and hyperactive bowel sounds (option D) are less direct indicators of compensatory shock compared to the increased heart rate, which is a fundamental response to maintain perfusion in cases of acute bleeding.

Thus, the correct answer is B. Increased heart rate.