In the initial stage of shock, blood pressure and heart rate may still be near normal even though cell perfusion is already falling.
Correct Answer
True
True. The initial stage produces few outward signs; cells begin shifting their metabolism while vital signs stay close to baseline, so subtle cues such as restlessness matter.
Category: Stages of Shock
Question 2
The refractory stage of shock usually reverses quickly once IV fluids are given.
Correct Answer
False
False. The refractory stage is marked by hypotension and organ damage that persist despite treatment, and recovery is unlikely. Early recognition is what gives the best chance of reversal.
Category: Stages of Shock
Question 3
Keeping a patient in shock warm matters because a low body temperature increases the risk of acidosis.
Correct Answer
True
True. Cold worsens acidosis and impairs clotting, so blankets and warmed fluids are used to keep a patient in shock at a normal temperature.
Category: Hypovolemic Shock
Question 4
Body temperature typically rises above normal in the progressive stage of hypovolemic shock.
Correct Answer
False
False. As perfusion and metabolism fail in the progressive stage, body temperature tends to fall, so the patient becomes hypothermic with cool skin and weak distal pulses.
Category: Stages of Shock
Question 5
Large-bore IV catheters are placed in hypovolemic shock so fluids and blood can be infused rapidly.
Correct Answer
True
True. Wide catheters, or a central line, allow high flow rates for volume resuscitation and blood products.
Category: Volume Resuscitation
Question 6
In hypovolemia, a single set of vital signs is more informative than the trend of readings over time.
Correct Answer
False
False. Trends compared with the patient's baseline reveal deterioration that one set of readings can miss, such as a steadily climbing heart rate.
Category: Hemodynamic Monitoring
Question 7
In multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, the inflammatory response stays confined to the original site of injury.
Correct Answer
False
False. In multiple organ dysfunction, cytokines drive an exaggerated inflammatory response that spreads well beyond the injury and damages distant organs; it commonly follows prolonged hypovolemic or septic shock.
Category: Organ Dysfunction
Question 8
Once shock reaches the compensatory stage, correcting the cause can no longer prevent permanent tissue damage.
Correct Answer
False
False. If the cause is found and corrected during the compensatory stage, shock can be reversed without lasting damage to cells and tissues; damage becomes irreversible in the refractory stage.
Category: Stages of Shock
Question 9
Viruses and fungi, as well as bacteria, can cause sepsis.
Correct Answer
True
True. Bacteria are the usual cause, but viral and fungal infections can also trigger the dysregulated response that leads to sepsis.
Category: Septic Shock
Question 10
Artificial joints and heart valve replacements increase a patient's risk of sepsis.
Correct Answer
True
True. Implanted devices give microorganisms a surface to colonize, so patients with them are at higher risk for sepsis.
Category: Septic Shock
Question 11
Septic shock is defined by low blood pressure that resolves once adequate IV fluid has been given.
Correct Answer
False
False. Septic shock is hypotension that persists despite adequate fluid resuscitation, which is why vasopressors are added.
Category: Septic Shock
Question 12
Bacterial toxins in sepsis strengthen the contraction of the heart muscle.
Correct Answer
False
False. Endotoxins depress heart muscle function, so contraction weakens and cardiac output eventually falls as septic shock progresses.
Category: Septic Shock
Question 13
In a patient with sepsis, a body temperature below normal shows that the infection is coming under control.
Correct Answer
False
False. Sepsis can cause hypothermia as well as fever, and a temperature that falls quickly or drops below normal may signal a worsening response rather than recovery, so it is reported.
Category: Septic Shock
Question 14
An indwelling urinary catheter is often placed in septic shock so urine output can be measured accurately.
Correct Answer
True
True. Urine output is a key sign of kidney perfusion, and a catheter allows precise intake and output tracking during resuscitation.
Category: Septic Shock
Question 15
Metabolic needs fall in sepsis, so protein intake is usually reduced.
Correct Answer
False
False. Sepsis is hypermetabolic, so energy and protein needs rise; protein-rich nutrition supports healing and is linked with better outcomes.
Category: Septic Shock
Question 16
People who survive sepsis may have lasting fatigue, anxiety or depression and benefit from referral for counseling and support.
Correct Answer
True
True. Survivors can face fatigue, sleep problems, weakened immunity, anxiety and depression, so follow-up resources are part of care.
Category: Septic Shock
Question 17
In neurogenic shock, low blood pressure results mainly from a loss of circulating blood volume.
Correct Answer
False
False. Blood volume is normal; the hypotension comes from loss of sympathetic vascular tone, so the vessels dilate and blood pools.
Category: Neurogenic Shock
Question 18
A patient in neurogenic shock is at risk for pressure injuries because of poor skin perfusion and immobility.
Correct Answer
True
True. Hypoperfused skin and immobility after spinal cord injury make pressure injuries a key complication, along with DVT, aspiration and stress ulcers.
Category: Neurogenic Shock
Question 19
In multiple organ dysfunction, the outlook worsens as more organs fail.
Correct Answer
True
True. Prognosis depends on how many organs are affected and how they respond to treatment; older adults and those with several chronic illnesses are at higher risk.
Category: Organ Dysfunction
Question 20
Poor blood flow to the liver in shock can cause jaundice and a rise in liver enzyme levels.
Correct Answer
True
True. Hepatic hypoperfusion injures liver cells, so enzymes leak into the blood and bilirubin builds up; the struggling liver also clears lactic acid poorly.
Category: Organ Dysfunction