Final answer:
The primary goal in treating a preschooler experiencing shock is to restore the balance between oxygen delivery and demand in the body, ensuring adequate tissue perfusion to maintain cellular metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary goal in providing care to a preschooler experiencing shock is to restore a favorable balance between tissue perfusion and metabolic demand. The correct answer to this question is b. Oxygen delivery and oxygen demand. This involves ensuring that the circulatory system can supply enough blood flow to provide adequate oxygen to tissues to maintain cellular metabolism, which is critical as shock is a life-threatening condition where the circulatory system fails to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen supply.
Various forms of shock, such as hypovolemic shock and cardiogenic shock, demonstrate that maintaining oxygen delivery to meet oxygen demands is essential. Treatment often includes intravenous fluids, medications to support heart function or tone vascular muscles, and addressing any underlying causes.