Practice Quiz

CNOR Operating Room Nursing

Category - Emergencies

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Following a surgical procedure with spinal anesthesia, a patient is moved to the PACU where they develop cyanosis around the mouth and their pulse becomes weak and thready. Their blood pressure drops, they start to breathe rapidly, and their skin becomes cool and diaphoretic. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this situation?
  1. Deep vein thrombosis
  2. Postoperative psychosis
  3. Neurogenic shock
  4. Pneumonia
Explanation
Answer: C-The most likely cause of this situation is neurogenic shock following the surgical procedure. This may occur following spinal anesthesia when blood begins to pool in the capillaries. The patient’s body tries to compensate by increasing the heart rate, but overall perfusion is diminished and blood pressure is low. Neurogenic shock is treated by keeping the patient warm and administering intravenous fluids and medications to correct blood pressure.
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