The nurse, caring for a patient who sustained a traumatic injury several days ago, notes that the patient is hypotensive, oliguric, and has cool, pale skin and acidosis. The nurse understands that these are manifestations of which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms given are classic signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock, which occurs when there is a significant loss of blood volume or fluids. The hypotension (low blood pressure) is a result of decreased cardiac output due to the loss of blood volume. Oliguria (decreased urine output) is a sign that the kidneys are not receiving enough blood to function properly. Acidosis indicates that the body is not effectively removing waste products and that vital organs, such as the brain, may not be receiving enough oxygen. The cool, pale skin is due to the body's compensatory mechanisms redistributing blood flow to vital organs instead of the skin.

The Nurse, Caring for a Patient Who Sustained a Traumatic