Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

What is the anticipated outcome for a patient with cardiogenic shock and a nursing diagnosis of decreased cardiac output?

1. Baseline activity level

2. Baseline cardiac function

3. Decreased afterload

4. Reduced anxiety

The correct answer is: Baseline cardiac function

The anticipated outcome for a patient with cardiogenic shock and a nursing diagnosis of decreased cardiac output is to achieve baseline cardiac function. In cardiogenic shock, the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, resulting in poor circulation and inadequate tissue perfusion. Establishing baseline cardiac function is essential for improving cardiac output and ensuring that the heart can maintain adequate blood flow to meet the body's needs. Achieving baseline cardiac function may involve interventions to stabilize the patient's hemodynamics, such as administering medications to improve contractility, managing fluid balance, and addressing any underlying conditions contributing to the decreased cardiac output. This outcome reflects the goal of nursing care to restore the patient's cardiac performance to a level that allows for normal physiological function and provides a foundation for recovery. Other options may not align with the primary concerns of a patient in cardiogenic shock. For instance, while reduced anxiety is a beneficial outcome in general nursing care, it does not directly address the critical hemodynamic changes associated with cardiogenic shock. Hence, focusing on restoring and maintaining baseline cardiac function is the most pertinent outcome in this context.