Question

An emergency room nurse assesses a client with potential liver trauma. Which clinical manifestations should alert the nurse to internal bleeding and hypovolemic shock? (Select all that apply.)

a.Hypertension
b.Tachycardia
c.Flushed skin
d.Confusion
e.Shallow respirations

Answer 1

The clinical manifestations indicative of internal bleeding and hypovolemic shock include tachycardia, confusion, and shallow respirations. Hypertension and flushed skin do not align with this medical condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a client with potential liver trauma and suspecting internal bleeding and hypovolemic shock, the clinical manifestations that should alert a nurse include:

• Tachycardia (b)
• Confusion (d)
• Shallow respirations (e)

Hypertension (a) and flushed skin (c) are not typically associated with hypovolemic shock. Instead, signs such as rapid heart rate, confusion due to inadequate cerebral perfusion, and shallow breathing due to compensatory mechanisms are common indications of this condition.

In patients experiencing hypovolemic shock due to causes like hemorrhage or severe fluid loss, it's imperative to provide intravenous fluids and medications such as dopamine, epinephrine, or norepinephrine to raise blood pressure and improve perfusion.