Question

While a client is being prepared for surgery because of a ruptured tubal pregnancy, the client complains of feeling lightheaded. Her pulse is rapid, and her color is pale. What condition does the nurse suspect the client has?

A. Shock
B. Anxiety
C. Infection
D. Hyperoxia

Answer 1

The nurse suspects the client is experiencing hypovolemic shock, a type of circulatory shock common in severe bleeding scenarios such as a ruptured tubal pregnancy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would suspect that the client has shock, specifically hypovolemic shock, which is a type of circulatory shock caused by excessive loss of blood volume. Hypovolemic shock presents with symptoms of rapid heart rate, pale color, and lightheadedness, typically due to hemorrhage, and in the case of a ruptured tubal pregnancy, severe bleeding is a common cause. This condition is life-threatening as the drop in blood volume leads to insufficient blood flow and oxygen supply to the tissues, potentially resulting in cellular death if not quickly addressed with appropriate medical interventions like intravenous fluids and drugs to raise blood pressure.