Your patient is a 45-year-old man who has received several stab wounds to the chest and abdomen. Although bleeding was significant at first, the rate of bleeding had slowed considerably before your arrival. The patient is agitated and confused, pale, diaphoretic, and cool to the touch. He lacks a radial pulse, and his carotid pulse is weak and rapid. Respirations are 28 and shallow. Which of the following is certain with this patient?
A) He is in irreversible shock.
B) He is in decompensated shock.
C) He is in compensated shock.
D) None of the above is certain.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is exhibiting signs of severe shock, including agitation and confusion, cold and clammy skin, weak and rapid pulse, and shallow breathing. These symptoms indicate that the patient is in decompensated shock and requires immediate intervention to stabilize his condition. Option A, irreversible shock, cannot be determined at this time, and option C, compensated shock, is unlikely given the severity of the patient's symptoms.

Your Patient Is a 45-Year-Old Man Who Has Received Several