A patient arrives in the emergency department with symptoms of myocardial infarction, progressing to cardiogenic shock. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect the patient to exhibit with cardiogenic shock?
A. Hypertension
B. Bradycardia
C. Bounding pulse
D. Confusion
Correct Answer: D. Confusion
Cardiogenic shock severely impairs the pumping function of the heart muscle, causing diminished blood flow to the organs of the body. This results in diminished brain function and confusion, as well as hypotension, tachycardia, and weak pulse. Cardiogenic shock is a serious complication of myocardial infarction with a high mortality rate.
Option A: The primary insult is a reduction in myocardial contractility resulting in diminished cardiac output, hypotension, systemic vasoconstriction, and cardiac ischemia.
Option B: Tachycardia is a symptom as there is diminished oxygenated blood flow to peripheral tissues, which drives the heart to pump harder than normal.
Option C: A bounding pulse is not indicative of cardiogenic shock.