American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What characterizes cardiogenic shock?

1. Inadequate circulating volume leading to multiple organ failure

2. Obstructed ventricular filling and/or filling of the great vessels

3. Heart cannot adequately pump blood leading to poor output

4. Excessive vasodilation and altered distribution of blood flow

The correct answer is: Heart cannot adequately pump blood leading to poor output

Cardiogenic shock is primarily characterized by the heart's inability to effectively pump blood, which results in inadequate cardiac output. This condition is often caused by severe heart conditions, such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, or cardiomyopathy, where the heart's ability to contract and eject blood is significantly compromised. The poor output leads to insufficient blood flow to the body’s vital organs, which can result in cellular dysfunction and ultimately multiple organ failure if not addressed promptly. In the context of the choices provided: The first choice addresses fluid volume issues, which relates more to hypovolemic shock rather than cardiogenic shock specifically. The second choice pertains to obstructive shock scenarios involving physical obstruction of heart chambers or great vessels, such as pulmonary embolism or cardiac tamponade. The fourth choice relates to distributive shock, which involves excessive vasodilation, typically seen in conditions like septic shock or neurogenic shock rather than cardiogenic shock. Therefore, the focus on the heart’s impaired pumping ability in the correct choice directly aligns with the definition and underlying pathophysiology of cardiogenic shock.