While Assessing a Patient in Shock Who Has an Arterial

question 24

Multiple Choice

While assessing a patient in shock who has an arterial line in place, the nurse notes a drop in the systolic BP from 92 mm Hg to 76 mm Hg when the head of the patient's bed is elevated to 75 degrees. This finding indicates a need for

• A) additional fluid replacement.
• B) antibiotic administration.
• C) infusion of a sympathomimetic drug.
• D) administration of increased oxygen.

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Definitions:

Affective

Relating to moods, feelings, and attitudes; emotional components of the psyche.

Somatic

Relating to or affecting the body, distinct from the mind or emotions.

Severity

The degree of intensity or seriousness of a condition, situation, or symptom.

Frequency

The rate at which something occurs or is repeated over a particular period of time or in a given sample.