NCLEX Question of the Day
Physiological Adaptation QID 1216
The nurse is assessing a client admitted with early septic shock secondary to pneumonia. Which set of findings is most consistent with this stage of shock?
Explanation
Rationale: In early (compensatory or hyperdynamic) septic shock, vasodilation occurs, but the body attempts to compensate. This often results in relatively normal or slightly decreased blood pressure, tachycardia (compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output), tachypnea (compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis/increased oxygen demand), and warm, flushed skin due to peripheral vasodilation. Option 1 reflects these early compensatory signs. Option 2 describes late (hypodynamic or decompensated) septic shock with failing compensation, hypotension, and poor perfusion (cool, clammy skin). Option 3 includes bradycardia, not typical for septic shock unless related to other causes. Option 4 suggests hypertension, which is not characteristic of shock.
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