Free NCLEX RN Practice Test Practice Question

The nurse is caring for a client post-myocardial infarction on the cardiac unit. The client is exhibiting symptoms of shock. Which clinical manifestation is the best indicator that the shock is cardiogenic rather than anaphylactic?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of cardiogenic shock, chest pain is a hallmark symptom, often resulting from myocardial ischemia following a myocardial infarction. This differentiates it from anaphylactic shock, where chest pain is not typically present.

Blood pressure (A) can be low in both types of shock, so it is not a distinguishing factor. Anxiety (C) may occur in various shock states, including both cardiogenic and anaphylactic, and does not specifically indicate the type of shock. Normal temperature (D) does not provide relevant information for differentiating between these shock types, as both can occur with normal body temperature.

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