Final answer:
In the compensation stage of shock, catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine are released, which is part of the body's acute 'fight-or-flight' response. The correct answer to the stages of shock concerning hormonal changes is option b. Other hormones like corticosteroids and ADH play a role in the body's long-term stress response and in conserving fluids and maintaining blood pressure, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stages of Shock and Hormonal Responses
When educating staff nurses about the stages of shock, it is important to discuss the physiological and hormonal changes that occur. The correct statement concerning the stages of shock and hormonal release is: b) In the compensation stage, catecholamines are released. Catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine are secreted by the adrenal medulla during the initial stages of shock, specifically the alarm reaction phase, to prepare the body for extreme exertion. This response enhances the sympathetic 'fight-or-flight' system, increasing heart rate and force of contraction, and redirecting blood flow to critical organs.
As shock progresses and if long-term stress response is necessary, the hypothalamus will trigger the release of ACTH, leading to the release of corticosteroids from the adrenal cortex. These hormones help in modifying the body's metabolism to sustain energy production and have anti-inflammatory effects. The antidiuretic hormone (ADH), released from the posterior pituitary, conserves fluid by signaling the kidneys to reabsorb more water and concurrently constricts peripheral vessels to raise blood pressure. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, while not failing in the compensation stage, becomes increasingly important during the resistance stage to maintain blood pressure and fluid balance.
The irreversible stage of shock, not mentioned in the question options, is characterized by significant hormonal changes that include the release of various hormones; however, this stage is where physiological processes begin to fail despite hormonal efforts to compensate.