A nurse is conducting serial assessments on a client who sustained blunt abdominal trauma three hours ago. The client's initial vital signs and physical assessments were within normal limits. Based on the understanding of hemodynamic compensatory mechanisms, which of the following physiological changes should the nurse identify as the earliest indicator that the client is developing hemorrhagic shock?
- A progressive elevation in the diastolic blood pressure while the systolic pressure remains stableCevap
- BAn abrupt decrease in the systolic blood pressure to a value less than 90 mm Hg
- CArterial blood gas values demonstrating the development of metabolic acidosis
- DIncreased localized abdominal guarding accompanied by reports of severe pain
Cevap
The earliest indicator is a progressive elevation in the diastolic blood pressure while the systolic pressure remains stable.
The correct answer is a progressive elevation in the diastolic blood pressure. During the early compensatory stage of hemorrhagic shock, the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated in response to decreased cardiac output. This causes peripheral vasoconstriction, which primarily raises the diastolic blood pressure. Because the systolic pressure is temporarily maintained by an increased heart rate, the difference between the two (the pulse pressure) narrows. This narrowing is one of the most sensitive and earliest hemodynamic indicators of volume loss.
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Anahtar Kavram
Early compensatory mechanisms in hemorrhagic shock primarily involve sympathetic nervous system activation, which causes peripheral vasoconstriction and elevates diastolic blood pressure, leading to a narrowing pulse pressure before frank hypotension occurs.