A 36-year-old man with lymphoma presents with signs of impending septic shock 9 days after chemotherapy. The nurse would expect which of the following to be present?
A. Low-grade fever, chills, tachycardia
B. Elevated temperature, oliguria, hypotension
C. Flushing, decreased oxygen saturation, mild hypotension
D. High-grade fever, normal blood pressure, increased respirations
Correct Answer: A. Low-grade fever, chills, tachycardia
Option A: Nine days after chemotherapy, one would expect the client to be immunocompromised. The clinical signs of shock reflect changes in cardiac function, vascular resistance, cellular metabolism, and capillary permeability. Low-grade fever, tachycardia, and flushing may be early signs of shock.
Option B: Oliguria and hypotension are late signs of shock. Urine output can be initially normal or increased.
Options C and D: The client with impending signs of septic shock may not have decreased oxygen saturation levels and normal blood pressure.