A 78-kg patient in septic shock has a pulse rate of 120 beats/min with low central venous pressure and pulmonary artery wedge pressure. After initial fluid volume resuscitation, the patient's urine output has been 30 mL/hr for the past 3 hours. Which order by the health care provider should the nurse question?

Give hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef) 100 mg IV.

Administer furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg IV.

Increase normal saline infusion to 250 ml/hr.

Use norepinephrine to keep systolic BP above 90 mm Hg.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

B. Administering furosemide, a loop diuretic, to a patient in septic shock with low urine output could exacerbate hypovolemia and worsen organ perfusion. It could further reduce preload, exacerbating hypotension, and impairing cardiac output. Loop diuretics are typically contraindicated in hypovolemic shock.

A. Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone can help improve vascular tone and responsiveness to vasopressors. Given the patient's clinical presentation and lack of response to initial fluid resuscitation, administering hydrocortisone is appropriate.

C. Increasing the fluid infusion rate can help restore intravascular volume and improve organ perfusion. However, caution should be exercised to avoid fluid overload and pulmonary edema.

D .Norepinephrine is a vasopressor commonly used to increase systemic vascular resistance and improve blood pressure in septic shock. It helps maintain perfusion pressure to vital organs, thereby supporting organ function.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

First, the nurse should open the airway using a jaw-thrust maneuver (C) to ensure it is not obstructed. Next, they should determine the effectiveness of ventilatory efforts (B), as breathing is critical and any compromise must be addressed immediately. Following this, establishing IV access (D) is important for fluid resuscitation and medication administration. The nurse should then perform a Glasgow Coma Scale assessment (E) to determine the level of consciousness and neurological function. Lastly, removing clothing for a thorough assessment (A) is essential, but only after the critical steps concerning airway, breathing, circulation, and disability have been addressed.

A. Metabolic acidosis B. Respiratory acidosis C. Respiratory alkalosis D. Metabolic alkalosis

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

B. A client who is postoperative with shallow respirations at a rate of 9/min is likely not adequately eliminating carbon dioxide from their body due to hypoventilation. This retention of carbon dioxide can lead to an increase in the partial pressure of CO2 in the blood, causing an acidotic state.

A. Metabolic acidosis results from an accumulation of acids in the body or a loss of bicarbonate. Hypoventilation leading to respiratory acidosis does not directly cause metabolic acidosis.

C. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive elimination of CO2 from the body, leading to decreased arterial carbon dioxide levels (hypocapnia) and an increase in pH. Shallow respirations and decreased respiratory rate are more consistent with hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis rather than hyperventilation and respiratory alkalosis.

D. Metabolic alkalosis results from excessive loss of acids or increased bicarbonate levels in the body. Hypoventilation leading to respiratory acidosis does not directly cause metabolic alkalosis.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is conducting a primary survey of a client who has sustained life-threatening injuries due to a motor-vehicle crash. Identify the sequence of actions the nurse should take. (Move the actions into the box on the right, placing them in the selected order of performance. Use all the steps.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and whose respirations are shallow and 9/min. Which of the following acid-based imbalances should the nurse identify the client as being at risk for developing initially?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure with an EF of 40%. The client has a BP of 170/67 with an HR of 60. He currently is in normal sinus rhythm and has an amber urine output of 45ml in the last 3 hours. Which medication would the nurse expect to give first?

Norepinephrine has been prescribed for a patient who was admitted with dehydration and hypotension. Which data indicate that the nurse should consult with the health care provider before starting the norepinephrine?

A nurse is collecting a medication history from a client who is scheduled to have a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following medications taken by the client interacts with contrast material and places the client at risk for acute kidney injury?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving positive-pressure mechanical ventilation. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to prevent complications? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is preparing a client for transfer to the ICU for placement of a pulmonary artery catheter. The nurse should explain to the client that this catheter is used to monitor which of the following conditions?

A nurse is caring for a client who reports heart palpitations. An ECG confirms the client is experiencing ventricular tachycardia (VT). The nurse should anticipate the need for taking which of the following actions?

A nurse is suctioning the endotracheal tube of a client who is on a ventilator. The client's heart rate increases from 86/min to 110/min and becomes irregular. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?