Paramedic National Registry Practice

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What complication may develop for a patient who remains in shock for an extended period?

Acute respiratory distress
Renal failure
Cardiac arrest
Septicemia

The correct answer is: Renal failure

When a patient remains in shock for an extended period, one of the serious complications that can develop is renal failure. Prolonged shock leads to inadequate perfusion of organs, including the kidneys. The kidneys are particularly sensitive to changes in blood flow and oxygen delivery. When perfusion is compromised, the kidneys can suffer from ischemia, which may result in acute kidney injury or failure. This condition can manifest as a decline in the kidneys' ability to filter waste from the blood, regulate electrolytes, and maintain fluid balance. The risk of developing renal failure increases with the duration and severity of the shock state, leading to potential complications such as fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic acidosis, all of which can further complicate the patient's overall clinical picture and recovery process. While acute respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, and septicemia are important considerations in a critically ill patient, they do not specifically stem from the prolonged effects of shock on renal perfusion and function as directly as renal failure does.