The nurse assesses a mediastinal shift in a patient being treated for injuries from a motor vehicle crash. For which type of shock should the nurse plan care for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. Obstructive shock can occur from such etiologies as tension pneumothorax. Tension pneumothorax occurs when a unilateral pneumothorax becomes so large that it shifts the mediastinum and compresses the cardiac chambers. This results in impaired filling, decreased cardiac output, hypotension, and reduced tissue perfusion.
2. Distributive shock is not caused by a tension pneumothorax.
3. Cardiogenic shock is not caused by a tension pneumothorax.
4. Hypovolemic shock is not caused by a tension pneumothorax.

The Nurse Assesses a Mediastinal Shift in a Patient Being