Author Question: The nurse wants to calculate a patient's mean arterial pressure. Which vital sign measurement should ... (Read 78 times)

awywial · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse wants to calculate a patient's mean arterial pressure. Which vital sign measurement should the nurse use to make this calculation?

1. blood pressure
2. temperature
3. respirations
4. heart rate

Question 2

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 type of shock?

1. hypovolemic
2. cardiogenic
3. septic
4. anaphylactic

ryansturges · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

The mean arterial pressure can be calculated by multiplying the diastolic blood pressure by 2, adding the systolic pressure, and dividing this total by 3. The patient's blood pressure is needed to make this calculation. Temperature, respirations, and heart rate are not used to calculate mean arterial pressure.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Hypovolemic shock is caused by a decrease in intravascular volume. In hypovolemic shock, the venous blood returning to the heart decreases, and ventricular fills drops. As a result, stroke volume, cardiac output, and blood pressure decrease. Hypovolemic shock affects all body systems. Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart's pumping ability is compromised to the point that it cannot maintain cardiac output and adequate tissue perfusion. Patients at risk for developing infections leading to septic shock include those who are hospitalized, have debilitating chronic illnesses, or have poor nutritional status. Septic shock does not usually present in a patient with a traumatic injury. Anaphylactic shock is the result of a widespread hypersensitivity reaction from medications, blood administration, latex, foods, snake venom, and insect stings.