Question 1

You are caring for a client in the compensation stage of shock. You know that one of the body's mechanisms of compensation in this stage of shock is the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. What does this system do?
A) Decreases peripheral blood flow
B) Increases catacholamine secretion
C) Increases the production of antidiuretic hormone
D) Restores blood pressure

Accepted Answer

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is activated in compensation stage of shock to restore blood pressure. Renin is released from the kidneys, which then converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I. Angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which results in vasoconstriction and the release of aldosterone from the adrenal glands. Aldosterone promotes sodium and water retention, which helps to restore blood volume and blood pressure. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer.

Question 2

You are the Emergency Department nurse caring for a client admitted with hypovolemic shock. IV fluids have been ordered. What ratio is usually ordered for replacement fluids?
A) 1:1
B) 2:1
C) 3:1
D) 4:1

Accepted Answer

In cases of hypovolemic shock, the commonly recommended ratio for replacement fluids is 3:1. This means for every 1 mL of estimated blood loss, 3 mL of crystalloid solution is administered. This ratio helps in adequately replacing the lost volume and maintaining hemodynamic stability.

Question 3

You are caring for a client in the compensation stage of shock. You know that in this stage of shock epinephrine and norepinephrine are released into the circulation. What positive effect does this have on your client?
A) Increases myocardial contractility
B) Decreases blood return to the heart
C) Decreases carbon dioxide exchange
D) Contracts bronchioles

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine and norepinephrine increase myocardial contractility, which can help improve cardiac output and tissue perfusion during the compensation stage of shock. The release of these hormones also causes vasoconstriction, which can help maintain blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not describe a positive effect on the client during the compensation stage of shock.

Question 4

You are caring for a client in shock who is deteriorating. You are infusing IV fluids and giving medications as ordered. What type of medications are you most likely giving to this client?
A) Hormone antagonist drugs
B) Antimetabolite drugs
C) Adrenergic drugs
D) Anticholinergic drugs

Accepted Answer

Adrenergic drugs are medications that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which can help increase heart rate and cardiac output to improve blood pressure in a client who is in shock. Examples of adrenergic drugs that may be used include epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Hormone antagonist drugs, antimetabolite drugs, and anticholinergic drugs are not typically used in the treatment of shock.

Question 5

At what point in shock does metabolic acidosis occur?
A) Compensation
B) Irreversible
C) Early
D) Decompensation

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis occurs during the decompensation phase of shock. This is when the body's compensatory mechanisms are overwhelmed, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation, resulting in the accumulation of lactic acid and other metabolic acids.

Quiz 17: Caring for Clients in Shock

You are caring for a client in the compensation stage of shock. You know that one of the body's mechanisms of compensation in this stage of shock is the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. What does this system do?

You are the Emergency Department nurse caring for a client admitted with hypovolemic shock. IV fluids have been ordered. What ratio is usually ordered for replacement fluids?

You are caring for a client in the compensation stage of shock. You know that in this stage of shock epinephrine and norepinephrine are released into the circulation. What positive effect does this have on your client?

You are caring for a client in shock who is deteriorating. You are infusing IV fluids and giving medications as ordered. What type of medications are you most likely giving to this client?

At what point in shock does metabolic acidosis occur?