Question

A nurse assesses a client who is in cardiogenic shock. What statement best indicates the nurse's understanding of cardiogenic shock?

a) A decrease of cardiac output and evidence of tissue hypoxia in the presence of adequate intravascular volume.
b) A decrease in cardiac output and evidence of inadequate circulating blood volume and movement of plasma into interstitial spaces.
c) Generally caused by decreased blood volume.
d) Due to severe hypersensitivity reaction resulting in massive systemic vasodilation.

Answer 1

The nurse's understanding of cardiogenic shock is correctly expressed by a decrease in cardiac output and evidence of tissue hypoxia with a normal intravascular volume. It's important to differentiate this from other shocks like hypovolemic or allergic reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that best indicates the nurse's understanding of cardiogenic shock is: a) A decrease of cardiac output and evidence of tissue hypoxia in the presence of adequate intravascular volume. Cardiogenic shock is a result of the heart's inability to maintain sufficient cardiac output, often due to a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Unlike other types of shock, it is not primarily caused by blood volume loss or an allergic reaction, instead, it arises from underlying heart conditions such as arrhythmias, valve disorders, or cardiomyopathies.

It's essential to differentiate cardiogenic shock from other forms of shock, such as hypovolemic shock (caused by blood volume loss), obstructive shock (from blockages in the vasculature), and anaphylactic or neurogenic forms (resulting from allergic responses or neurological injuries).