Question

the nurse is caring for a client whose infection places them at high risk for shock. what assessment finding(s) would the nurse consider a potential sign of shock?

Answer 1

Potential signs of shock that a nurse should monitor for include tachycardia, low or normal blood pressure, drastically reduced urine output, mental changes like confusion, cool and clammy skin, rapid and shallow breathing, along with hypothermia, thirst, and dry mouth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Infection-induced shock, such as septic shock, is a critical condition marked by an extreme drop in blood pressure and inadequate blood flow to the body's tissues and organs.

Assessment findings a nurse should consider as potential signs of shock include a rapid, tachycardic heart rate, decreased or normal blood pressure that does not match the severity of the condition, and a drastic reduction in urine output (less than 1 mL/kg body weight/hour).

The patient may also exhibit confusion, loss of consciousness, cool and clammy skin, rapid and shallow breathing, hypothermia, thirst, and a dry mouth. These symptoms are indicative of the circulatory system's struggle to maintain adequate oxygen and nutrient supply to tissues, therefore necessitating immediate medical intervention.