Inadequate pumping action of the heart is known as?

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Cardiogenic shock is defined as a state of inadequate tissue perfusion caused by the heart's failure to pump sufficient blood, which is described as 'pump failure'.
This condition results from a primary cardiac dysfunction, such as damage to the heart muscle from a myocardial infarction or severe cardiomyopathy, leading to a critical fall in cardiac output.
The core problem in cardiogenic shock is the heart's inability to contract effectively, directly matching the question's description of 'inadequate pumping action'.

Option A: Obstructive shock is caused by a physical blockage to blood flow outside the heart muscle itself, such as a pulmonary embolism or cardiac tamponade. The pump is functional but obstructed.
Option B: Septic shock is a type of distributive shock caused by a systemic inflammatory response to infection, leading to widespread vasodilation. It is a problem with the blood vessels ('pipes'), not the heart pump.
Option C: Anaphylactic shock is a type of distributive shock caused by a severe allergic reaction, which leads to massive vasodilation. Like septic shock, it is a problem with the 'pipes' (vasculature).

Visual 1: Flowchart: Classification of Shock. A diagram showing the main categories of shock (Cardiogenic, Hypovolemic, Distributive, Obstructive) with their primary mechanisms and examples.
Visual 2: Diagram: Pathophysiology of Cardiogenic Shock. An illustration showing how a myocardial infarction leads to decreased contractility, reduced cardiac output, hypotension, and systemic hypoperfusion.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification and Pathophysiology of Shock as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the type of shock is critical for nurses as the treatment is vastly different. Treating cardiogenic shock with large fluid boluses, which is appropriate for hypovolemic shock, can worsen pulmonary edema and overload the failing heart.
Nurses must closely monitor hemodynamic parameters (BP, heart rate, CVP, urine output) and be prepared to administer inotropes (like dobutamine) to improve contractility and vasopressors to maintain blood pressure.
What if? If the patient had a penetrating chest wound and muffled heart sounds with hypotension, the answer would likely be Obstructive shock (due to cardiac tamponade), as the heart is being physically compressed and cannot fill properly.

How to Approach the Question

This is a recall question based on a core definition in pathophysiology.
First, identify the key phrase in the stem: 'inadequate pumping action of the heart'.
Think of the heart as a 'pump' and the blood vessels as 'pipes'.
Analyze each option based on its primary mechanism: Cardiogenic = 'pump' failure; Obstructive = 'blockage' problem; Septic/Anaphylactic = 'pipe' (vasodilation) problem.
Match the key phrase 'inadequate pumping' directly to the definition of Cardiogenic shock.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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