Final answer:
In shock, hypotension, diminished central pulses, bradycardia, and cool extremities are critical findings suggesting potential progression to cardiac arrest. These signs indicate poor perfusion and cardiovascular compromise that require immediate medical intervention. The correct option is D .
Step-by-step explanation:
A child experiencing shock may have signs that indicate an impending cardiac arrest. The emergency response team must be vigilant for these critical findings. When assessing a child in shock, several clinical signs are suggestive of significant cardiovascular compromise and potential progression to cardiac arrest.
- Hypotension (A): This is a hallmark sign of shock and signals reduced perfusion to vital organs. In children, it may result from hypovolemic shock due to severe vomiting or diarrhea, and is associated with a decreased blood pressure.
- Diminished central pulses (B): Weak central pulses may indicate inadequate cardiac output and poor perfusion, an ominous sign in the context of shock.
- Bradycardia (D): While tachycardia is commonly seen in hypovolemic shock, bradycardia in the setting of shock is particularly worrisome because it can suggest impending cardiac failure.
- Cool extremities (E): This sign suggests poor peripheral circulation often accompanying hypovolemic shock and other types of shock.
Atrial flutter (C) is not typically a sign of imminent cardiac arrest in the context of shock, although it is an arrhythmia that can be associated with cardiac issues.
Effective treatment of shock includes rapid intravenous infusion of fluids and medications like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine to support blood pressure and organ perfusion. Extreme cases may require advanced interventions such as the use of an Artificial Heart-Lung Machine or defibrillation with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to correct severe arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation that can lead to cardiac arrest.