Question

The nurse caring for a client in shock recognizes that the glomerular filtration rate of the kidneys will fail if the client's mean arterial pressure falls below which of the following levels?

140
120
100
80

Answer 1

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of the kidneys will fail if the mean arterial pressure falls below 60 mm Hg, impairing renal function and causing severe systemic disorders.

Step-by-step explanation:

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of the kidneys will fail if the client's mean arterial pressure falls below approximately 60 mm Hg. Mean arterial pressure is calculated by adding 1/3 of the difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures to the diastolic pressure.

As long as the mean arterial pressure is above 60 mm Hg, the pressure will be adequate to maintain glomerular filtration. However, blood pressures below this level will impair renal function and cause severe systemic disorders.