Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

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What condition is characterized by inadequate tissue perfusion?

Shock
Respiratory failure
Cardiomyopathy
Hypertension

The correct answer is: Shock

The condition characterized by inadequate tissue perfusion is shock. Shock occurs when the body does not receive enough blood flow, leading to insufficient oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues and organs. This can result from several factors, including low blood volume (hypovolemic shock), heart problems (cardiogenic shock), severe infections (septic shock), or nerve damage (neurogenic shock). The body's attempt to compensate for this perfusion deficit may involve increased heart rate and blood pressure; however, if the condition remains uncorrected, it can lead to organ dysfunction and failure. Respiratory failure, while serious, primarily refers to inadequate exchange of gases in the lungs rather than perfusion of tissues. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure but does not directly define inadequate tissue perfusion as a standalone phenomenon. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, relates to elevated pressure in the arterial system and can lead to various health issues, but it is not synonymous with inadequate tissue perfusion. Therefore, shock is the most accurate answer regarding inadequate tissue perfusion.