,NUR 2755 EXAM 2 MULTIDIMENSIONAL CARE IV Questions and
Answers | 2026/2027 | Rasmussen University
Q1.
A client in septic shock has warm, flushed skin, bounding pulses,
and hypotension. Which hemodynamic pattern is most consistent
with septic shock in its early stage?
A) Increased systemic vascular resistance and decreased cardiac output
B) Decreased systemic vascular resistance and potentially increased cardiac
output
C) Increased systemic vascular resistance and increased cardiac output
D) Decreased systemic vascular resistance and decreased blood volume only
Correct Answer: B) Decreased systemic vascular resistance and potentially
increased cardiac output
Rationale: Septic shock is a distributive form of shock characterized by
profound vasodilation and decreased systemic vascular resistance. Cardiac
output may initially be elevated.
Q2.
Which finding is most characteristic of hypovolemic shock?
A) Bounding pulses and warm skin
B) Tachycardia, hypotension, and cool clammy skin
C) Bradycardia and hypertension
D) Severe hypertension with pulmonary edema
Correct Answer: B) Tachycardia, hypotension, and cool clammy skin
Rationale: Loss of circulating volume activates sympathetic compensation,
causing tachycardia and vasoconstriction. As shock progresses, hypotension
and poor tissue perfusion develop.
Q3.
A client has hemorrhagic shock after a major gastrointestinal bleed.
Which intervention is the priority?
A) Restore circulating volume and control the source of bleeding
B) Encourage oral fluids only
C) Place the client in a high-sodium diet
D) Delay treatment until hemoglobin results are available
Correct Answer: A) Restore circulating volume and control the source of
bleeding
, Rationale: Hemorrhagic shock requires rapid restoration of circulating
volume and definitive control of blood loss.
Q4.
Which type of shock is caused primarily by pump failure of the
heart?
A) Hypovolemic
B) Cardiogenic
C) Distributive
D) Obstructive
Correct Answer: B) Cardiogenic
Rationale: Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart cannot generate
sufficient cardiac output to meet tissue demands.
Q5.
Which finding is most concerning for cardiogenic shock?
A) Hypotension with pulmonary edema and cool extremities
B) Warm dry skin with bounding pulses
C) Increased urine output
D) Normal mental status and blood pressure
Correct Answer: A) Hypotension with pulmonary edema and cool extremities
Rationale: Cardiogenic shock commonly causes low cardiac output,
hypotension, pulmonary congestion, cool extremities, and altered mental
status.
Q6.
Which condition can cause obstructive shock?
A) Tension pneumothorax
B) Mild dehydration
C) Simple constipation
D) Iron deficiency
Correct Answer: A) Tension pneumothorax
Rationale: Tension pneumothorax mechanically impairs venous return to
the heart and can cause obstructive shock.
Q7.
A client develops severe hypotension, distended neck veins, and
muffled heart sounds. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A) Cardiac tamponade
B) Hypovolemic shock
Answers | 2026/2027 | Rasmussen University
Q1.
A client in septic shock has warm, flushed skin, bounding pulses,
and hypotension. Which hemodynamic pattern is most consistent
with septic shock in its early stage?
A) Increased systemic vascular resistance and decreased cardiac output
B) Decreased systemic vascular resistance and potentially increased cardiac
output
C) Increased systemic vascular resistance and increased cardiac output
D) Decreased systemic vascular resistance and decreased blood volume only
Correct Answer: B) Decreased systemic vascular resistance and potentially
increased cardiac output
Rationale: Septic shock is a distributive form of shock characterized by
profound vasodilation and decreased systemic vascular resistance. Cardiac
output may initially be elevated.
Q2.
Which finding is most characteristic of hypovolemic shock?
A) Bounding pulses and warm skin
B) Tachycardia, hypotension, and cool clammy skin
C) Bradycardia and hypertension
D) Severe hypertension with pulmonary edema
Correct Answer: B) Tachycardia, hypotension, and cool clammy skin
Rationale: Loss of circulating volume activates sympathetic compensation,
causing tachycardia and vasoconstriction. As shock progresses, hypotension
and poor tissue perfusion develop.
Q3.
A client has hemorrhagic shock after a major gastrointestinal bleed.
Which intervention is the priority?
A) Restore circulating volume and control the source of bleeding
B) Encourage oral fluids only
C) Place the client in a high-sodium diet
D) Delay treatment until hemoglobin results are available
Correct Answer: A) Restore circulating volume and control the source of
bleeding
, Rationale: Hemorrhagic shock requires rapid restoration of circulating
volume and definitive control of blood loss.
Q4.
Which type of shock is caused primarily by pump failure of the
heart?
A) Hypovolemic
B) Cardiogenic
C) Distributive
D) Obstructive
Correct Answer: B) Cardiogenic
Rationale: Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart cannot generate
sufficient cardiac output to meet tissue demands.
Q5.
Which finding is most concerning for cardiogenic shock?
A) Hypotension with pulmonary edema and cool extremities
B) Warm dry skin with bounding pulses
C) Increased urine output
D) Normal mental status and blood pressure
Correct Answer: A) Hypotension with pulmonary edema and cool extremities
Rationale: Cardiogenic shock commonly causes low cardiac output,
hypotension, pulmonary congestion, cool extremities, and altered mental
status.
Q6.
Which condition can cause obstructive shock?
A) Tension pneumothorax
B) Mild dehydration
C) Simple constipation
D) Iron deficiency
Correct Answer: A) Tension pneumothorax
Rationale: Tension pneumothorax mechanically impairs venous return to
the heart and can cause obstructive shock.
Q7.
A client develops severe hypotension, distended neck veins, and
muffled heart sounds. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A) Cardiac tamponade
B) Hypovolemic shock
