Question

The elderly patient in shock may be less likely to exhibit which of the following expected manifestations of shock?

1) Hypotension
2) Tachycardia
3) Pale and cool skin
4) Increased urine output

Answer 1

The elderly patient in shock is less likely to exhibit tachycardia. They will typically experience hypotension, pale and cool skin, and decreased urine output, though their physiological responses to shock may vary due to age-related changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The elderly patient in shock is less likely to exhibit tachycardia as an expected manifestation of shock. This is because older adults may not mount a tachycardic response due to age-related changes in heart function. Their physiological response may be blunted or atypical due to factors such as existing cardiovascular disease, medications that limit heart rate, or a subdued response to stress hormones caused by age-related changes in receptor sensitivity. However, they are likely to experience hypotension, pale and cool skin, and a decrease in urine output, which are typical symptoms of shock due to circulatory failure or insufficient blood flow to maintain adequate tissue perfusion and cellular metabolism. In elderly patients, a drop in urine output (< 1 mL/kg body weight/hour) is a concerning sign of shock, along with hypotension and altered mental status.