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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is not the most important intervention in this situation. While muscle weakness can be a symptom of hyperkalemia, it is not the most immediate concern. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, which is a more immediate threat to the patient’s life.
Choice B rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine can provide information about the patient’s renal function, which is important in the regulation of potassium. However, this is not the most immediate concern when a patient’s serum potassium level is dangerously high.
Choice C rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, so the nurse should immediately assess the patient’s heart rate and rhythm. The nurse should also place the patient on a cardiac monitor, if not already done, and notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can provide information about neuromuscular function, which can be affected by hyperkalemia. However, this is not the most immediate concern. The nurse’s priority is to assess and monitor for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Orange juice is a clear liquid and is allowed in the Mormon faith.
Choice B rationale
Hot chocolate is not a clear liquid and is not typically consumed by individuals who follow Mormon beliefs due to its caffeine content.
Choice C rationale
Apple juice is a clear liquid and is allowed in the Mormon faith.
Choice D rationale
Chicken broth is a clear liquid and is allowed in the Mormon faith.
Choice E rationale
Black coffee is not a clear liquid and is not typically consumed by individuals who follow Mormon beliefs due to its caffeine content.
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