The nurse suspects that a patient in cardiogenic shock is experiencing oxygen deprivation.What would confirm the nurse's suspicion?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis upon arterial blood gas analysis would confirm the nurse's suspicion of oxygen deprivation in a patient in cardiogenic shock. This is because the low cardiac output in cardiogenic shock leads to decreased oxygenation and perfusion of tissues, ultimately leading to tissue hypoxia and anaerobic metabolism, which causes the accumulation of lactic acid and subsequent metabolic acidosis. Therefore, an arterial blood gas analysis showing metabolic acidosis would support the nurse's suspicion.

The Nurse Suspects That a Patient in Cardiogenic Shock Is