A patient admitted to the hospital with a suspected ruptured diverticulum develops signs and symptoms of septic shock.
The healthcare provider prescribes a sepsis protocol.
Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care?
Keep the head of the bed raised 45 degrees.
Monitor the patient’s blood glucose level.
Assess the warmth of the patient’s extremities.
Maintain strict intake and output.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Keeping the head of the bed raised 45 degrees can help improve lung expansion and reduce the risk of aspiration, which is particularly important for patients who are intubated or receiving enteral nutrition. However, it is not the most important intervention for a patient with septic shock.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring the patient’s blood glucose level is important, especially if the patient is receiving insulin or parenteral nutrition, as these can increase blood glucose levels. However, it is not the most important intervention for a patient with septic shock.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the warmth of the patient’s extremities can provide information about peripheral perfusion and may be useful in monitoring the patient’s response to treatment. However, it is not the most important intervention for a patient with septic shock.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Maintaining strict intake and output is crucial in managing a patient with septic shock. Fluid balance is a key component of managing septic shock, and accurate intake and output measurements are essential for guiding fluid resuscitation and assessing the patient’s response to treatment.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While the patient’s currently prescribed medications are important information, they are not the most immediate concern in this situation. The healthcare provider will need this information, but it does not need to be the first piece of information provided.
Choice B rationale
The increasing confusion of the patient is the most immediate concern and should be communicated first. Confusion and disorientation can be signs of a serious condition such as a brain injury, especially following a fall. It is crucial to relay this information to the healthcare provider as soon as possible so that appropriate diagnostic tests can be ordered and treatment can be initiated.
Choice C rationale
The patient’s healthcare power of attorney is important information, especially if the patient’s condition worsens and they are unable to make decisions for themselves. However, this information does not need to be communicated first. The immediate concern is the patient’s medical condition.
Choice D rationale
The fall from a ladder is certainly important information as it provides context for the patient’s current condition. However, it does not need to be the first piece of information provided. The healthcare provider will likely infer that a fall has occurred based on the other information provided (e.g., confusion, potential loss of consciousness).
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the client’s white blood cell count is important in this case. An elevated white blood cell count is a common sign of infection, and regular monitoring can help assess the client’s response to treatment.
Choice B rationale
Implementing contact precautions for staff and visitors is crucial when caring for a client with a potential VRE infection. VRE is a multi-drug resistant organism that can be spread through direct contact, so strict infection control measures are necessary.
Choice C rationale
Using standard precautions and wearing a mask is generally good practice in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections. However, a mask is not specifically required for contact precautions with VRE456.
Choice D rationale
Explaining the purpose of a low bacteria diet is not relevant in this case. While diet can play a role in overall health and recovery, it is not a specific intervention for a client with a potential VRE infection.
Choice E rationale
Sending wound drainage for culture and sensitivity is an important step in confirming the presence of VRE and determining the most effective antibiotic therapy.
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