A nurse is planning care for a client who has a new diagnosis of sepsis. Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority?
Initiate oxygen therapy.
Administer antibiotics.
Obtain blood cultures.
Begin an IV crystalloid infusion.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Initiate oxygen therapy: Sepsis can lead to tissue hypoxia and organ dysfunction due to impaired perfusion. Oxygen therapy is the priority to ensure adequate oxygenation, prevent respiratory failure, and support vital organ function.
B. Administer antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are essential to treat the underlying infection, but they should be given after obtaining blood cultures to ensure accurate pathogen identification and prevent delays in appropriate therapy.
C. Obtain blood cultures: Blood cultures must be collected before antibiotic administration to identify the causative organism, but stabilizing the client's oxygenation and perfusion takes precedence in acute management.
D. Begin an IV crystalloid infusion: Fluid resuscitation is crucial for managing septic shock, but oxygen therapy should be initiated first to immediately improve oxygen delivery and prevent hypoxia-related complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"D"}
Explanation
The nurse should first address the client's chest pain followed by the client's irregular heart rate.
Rationale:
Chest pain is the priority concern as it indicates an acute coronary event (ST-elevation myocardial infarction, STEMI). Immediate interventions such as oxygen, nitroglycerin, and pain management are required to reduce myocardial oxygen demand and prevent further cardiac damage.
Irregular heart rate must be addressed next, as tachycardia and arrhythmias can increase myocardial workload and worsen ischemia. Monitoring and possible antiarrhythmic interventions may be required to stabilize cardiac function.
Incorrect:
Troponin levels: Elevated troponin confirms myocardial injury but does not require immediate intervention; managing the ongoing ischemia is the priority.
Oxygen saturation: The client's oxygen saturation is 93% on room air, which is adequate. Oxygen therapy is not the first priority unless levels drop further.
Hyperlipidemia: While a cardiovascular risk factor, it is not an acute concern during an MI. Long-term management is necessary but not the immediate priority.
C-reactive protein: Elevated CRP indicates inflammation but does not require urgent intervention in the acute phase of MI.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Obtain bottles of warm, sterile 0.9% sodium chloride solution: Evisceration requires immediate coverage of the exposed organs with sterile, saline-moistened dressings to prevent drying and infection. Using warm saline helps maintain tissue viability and minimizes damage.
B. Apply a firm pressure dressing across the client's abdomen: A firm pressure dressing is inappropriate, as it could cause further damage to the eviscerated organs and increase intra-abdominal pressure, leading to ischemia or perforation.
C. Attempt to reinsert the protruding viscera: Reinserting the eviscerated organs is contraindicated due to the high risk of contamination, trauma, and further complications. The nurse should instead protect the organs with moist dressings and prepare the client for emergency surgery.
D. Place the client in left lateral recumbent position: The client should be placed in a low Fowler’s position with knees slightly flexed to reduce tension on the abdominal wound and prevent further protrusion of organs. A left lateral recumbent position does not provide the same benefit.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.