Question

A 70-year-old patient is malnourished, has a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and is admitted from the nursing home with pneumonia. For which kind of shock should the nurse closely monitor this patient?

a. Septic shock
b. Neurogenic shock
c. Cardiogenic shock
d. Anaphylactic shock

Answer 1

A 70-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes and pneumonia should be monitored for septic shock, a condition characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection which can complicate pneumonia.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a 70-year-old patient who is malnourished, has a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and is admitted with pneumonia, the nurse should closely monitor for septic shock. This condition is a widespread bacterial infection that results in an organismal-level inflammatory response, which can be a common complication of pneumonia. The nurse should be prepared to provide treatment that may include fluid replacement, administration of antibiotics, use of inotropic or pressor agents, and possibly anticoagulants and steroids, depending on the progression and severity of the condition. Septic shock is a type of vascular shock and is notably different from neurogenic, cardiogenic, or anaphylactic shock, which has different underlying causes and presentations.