When evaluating a client with symptoms of shock, it is important for the nurse to differentiate between neurogenic and hypovolemic shock.

When evaluating a client with symptoms of shock, it is important for the nurse to differentiate between neurogenic and hypovolemic shock.

The symptoms of neurogenic shock differ from hypovolemic shock in that:
A . In neurogenic shock, the skin is warm and dry
B . In hypovolemic shock, there is a bradycardia
C . In hypovolemic shock, capillary refill is less than 2 seconds
D . In neurogenic shock, there is delayed capillary refill

View Answer

Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) Neurogenic shock is caused by injury to the cervical region, which leads to loss of sympathetic control. This loss leads to vasodilation of the vascular beds, bradycardia resulting from the lack of sympathetic balance to parasympathetic stimuli from the vagus nerve, and the loss of the ability to sweat below the level of injury. In neurogenic shock, the client is hypotensive but bradycardiac with warm, dry skin.

(B) In hypovolemic shock, the client ishypotensive and tachycardiac with cool skin.

(C) In hypovolemic shock, the capillary refill would be>5 seconds.

(D) In neurogenic shock, there is no capillary delay, the vascular beds are dilated, and peripheral flow is good.