Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 1291 of 2368
A neonate has poor tissue perfusion, but the blood pressure reading is within the normal range. How should the nurse interpret this finding?
- The neonate may still be in shock, because blood pressure falls late
- The neonate is not in shock, because blood pressure falls first
- The neonate has good perfusion, because the heart rate must be low
- The neonate is stable, because stroke volume is easily increased
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Correct answer: The neonate may still be in shock, because blood pressure falls late
A fast heart rate keeps the blood pressure up in newborns. A low blood pressure is a late sign of decompensated shock.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Congenital Heart Defects: HEART RATE AND CARDIAC OUTPUT. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026