An elderly patient with a five day history of diarrhea and vomiting is brought to the ER by her family. She is diagnosed with hypovolemic shock. The nurse recognizes which signs as advanced shock?
Explanation
• Shock is a physiologic state characterized by a significant reduction of systemic tissue perfusion, resulting in decreased oxygen delivery to the tissues.
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• Obtundation is a greatly reduced level of consciousness, often occurring before
• As hypovolemic shock progresses, inadequate fluid volume and tissue perfusion results in an inability of the body to meet metabolic demands. The body increases anaerobic metabolism through glycolysis, resulting in the formation of large amounts of lactic acid. This causes metabolic acidosis.