62. An indicator of a worsening hypovolemic shock related to GI bleeding would be:
. Decreased level of consciousness (LOC).
. Complaints of abdominal pain with hematemesis.
. Deepening, rapid respirations.
. Increasingly rapid, thready pulse.
Test-Taking Tip
The key word is "worsening." Choose the option that best describes the ongoing cardiovascular response to a decrease in circulating volume.
Content Area: Adult Health, Cardiovascular; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Pathophysiology
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Answer 1 is incorrect because a change in LOC from hypovolemia would have occurred earlier. Answer 2 is incorrect because this may have been an early indication of a GI problem. Answer 3 is incorrect because the respiratory change may occur as a result of metabolic acidosis. Answer 4 is correct because the heart would attempt to increase cardiac output by increasing the pulse rate as the volume continued to decrease.