A patient has been diagnosed with septic shock.
What collaborative interventions would be expected? (Select all that apply)
Temperature control for either hypothermia or hyperthermia.
Administration of cardiotonic agents such as dopamine, dobutamine, or norepinephrine.
Administration of a thrombolytic (streptokinase).
Subcutaneous administration of epinephrine (1:1000) 0.5 to 1 ml every 5 to 15 minutes.
Blood cultures from all suspected sources before administration of antibiotics.
Vigorous intravenous fluid resuscitation with 0.9% sodium chloride.
Correct Answer : A,B,E,F
Choice A rationale:
Temperature control for either hypothermia or hyperthermia is crucial in septic shock management. Here's a detailed explanation:
Hypothermia:
Mechanism: Septic shock often causes impaired thermoregulation, leading to hypothermia. It can worsen shock by decreasing cardiac output, impairing coagulation, and promoting vasoconstriction.
Intervention: Active warming measures are essential, including: External warming devices (e.g., blankets, forced air warmers) Intravenous fluids warmed to 39-42°C
Warmed humidified oxygen
Minimizing exposure and covering the patient Hyperthermia:
Mechanism: Sepsis can trigger an excessive inflammatory response, leading to hyperthermia. It can exacerbate tissue injury, increase metabolic demands, and worsen organ dysfunction.
Intervention: Aggressive measures to lower temperature are necessary, including:
Antipyretic medications (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) External cooling methods (e.g., cooling blankets, ice packs) Sedation if shivering occurs
Choice B rationale:
Administration of cardiotonic agents such as dopamine, dobutamine, or norepinephrine is often required in septic shock to: Improve cardiac output: These agents increase myocardial contractility and heart rate, enhancing blood flow to vital organs.
Maintain blood pressure: They support vasoconstriction, counteracting the widespread vasodilation characteristic of septic shock.
Improve tissue perfusion: By optimizing cardiac output and blood pressure, they help ensure adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues.
Choice E rationale:
Blood cultures from all suspected sources before administration of antibiotics are essential for guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Early identification of the causative organism: This information is crucial for selecting the most effective antibiotic regimen.
Prevention of antibiotic resistance: Judicious use of antibiotics based on culture results helps prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Choice F rationale:
Vigorous intravenous fluid resuscitation with 0.9% sodium chloride is a cornerstone of septic shock management.
Replenishing intravascular volume: Septic shock often causes profound intravascular volume depletion due to capillary leak and vasodilation. Fluid resuscitation aims to restore circulating volume and maintain organ perfusion.
Improving hemodynamic stability: By increasing preload and cardiac output, fluids help stabilize blood pressure and support vital organ function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Serosanguineous drainage is a mixture of blood serum and blood. It is typically thin and watery, with a pinkish or reddish hue.
It is common in the early stages of wound healing, as small blood vessels are injured and release their contents. However, it's not consistent with the yellow and thick drainage described in the question, making it an unlikely choice.
Choice B Rationale:
Serous drainage is clear and watery, composed primarily of blood plasma.
It's also common in the early stages of wound healing and is considered a normal part of the process. However, the clear and watery nature of serous drainage doesn't match the thick, yellow drainage described in the question, ruling out this option.
Choice C Rationale:
Sanguineous drainage is composed primarily of fresh blood.
It's often bright red and may be thick or thin, depending on the amount of bleeding. While sanguineous drainage can indicate a problem, it's typically associated with active bleeding or recent trauma. The yellow color of the drainage in the question makes this choice less likely.
Choice D Rationale:
Purulent drainage is a thick, yellow, green, or brown fluid that often has a foul odor.
It's a sign of infection, as it contains dead white blood cells, bacteria, and debris. The yellow and thick consistency of the drainage described in the question strongly suggests purulent drainage, making it the most likely answer.
Key Points:
The color, consistency, and odor of wound drainage can provide valuable clues about the healing process and potential complications.
Purulent drainage is a hallmark of infection and requires prompt attention.
Nurses play a crucial role in assessing wound drainage and reporting any concerns to the healthcare team.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Distended neck veins are not a reliable indicator of dehydration in adults. They can be caused by other factors, such as heart failure or fluid overload.
In cases of dehydration, the veins in the neck may actually be less visible due to decreased blood volume.
It's important to assess for other signs and symptoms of dehydration, such as urine output, skin turgor, and vital signs, to make an accurate diagnosis.
Choice B rationale:
A bounding pulse can be a sign of dehydration, but it can also be caused by other factors, such as anxiety, exercise, or fever. It's important to assess the pulse rate and rhythm in conjunction with other signs and symptoms to determine the cause.
A normal pulse rate is 60-100 beats per minute in adults. A bounding pulse is typically a strong, forceful pulse that can be easily felt.
Choice C rationale:
A blood pressure of 146/94 mm Hg is considered elevated, but it is not necessarily a sign of dehydration. Blood pressure can be elevated due to other factors, such as stress, pain, or underlying medical conditions. It's important to assess blood pressure in conjunction with other signs and symptoms to determine the cause. Choice D rationale:
Urine specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine. A higher urine specific gravity indicates more concentrated urine, which is a sign of dehydration.
A normal urine specific gravity is 1.005-1.030. A urine specific gravity of 1.034 is considered high and is a strong indicator of dehydration.
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