You are assessing an elderly patient with a decreased level of consciousness. Your assessment reveals the patient to have a patent airway, labored respirations, and weak, rapid pulses. The skin is pale, cool, and cyanotic in the extremities. You also observe diaphoresis and a delayed capillary refill. Vital signs for this patient are: HR 136 bpm, BP 66/40 mmHg, and respirations 40 and shallow. Auscultation of the lungs reveals profound rales located throughout each lung. His temperature is 99∘F and there is obvious JVD and pedal edema. Additionally, family states that the patient has an extensive cardiac and diabetic history. Based on this information you should suspect what kind of shock?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's medical history suggests an underlying cardiac condition, and the presence of JVD and pedal edema are signs of heart failure. The patient's vital signs and physical exam findings suggest impaired cardiac function, leading to cardiogenic shock.

You Are Assessing an Elderly Patient with a Decreased Level