The Nurse in the ICU Is Admitting a 57-Year-Old Man

Multiple Choice

The nurse in the ICU is admitting a 57-year-old man with a diagnosis of possible septic shock. The nurses assessment reveals that the patient has a normal blood pressure, increased heart rate, decreased bowel sounds, and cold, clammy skin. The nurses analysis of these data should lead to what preliminary conclusion?

A) The patient is in the compensatory stage of shock.
B) The patient is in the progressive stage of shock.
C) The patient will stabilize and be released by tomorrow.
D) The patient is in the irreversible stage of shock.