A patient has developed signs and symptoms of septic shock following a urinary tract infection one week ago.
The healthcare provider has prescribed a sepsis protocol to be initiated.
Which intervention should the nurse prioritize in the plan of care?
Keep the head of the bed raised 45 degrees.
Assess the warmth of the extremities.
Maintain strict intake and output records.
Monitor the patient’s blood glucose level.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Keeping the head of the bed raised 45 degrees is a common practice in intensive care units to prevent aspiration pneumonia. However, in the context of septic shock, this intervention is not the highest priority.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the warmth of the extremities can provide information about peripheral perfusion. Cold extremities may indicate poor perfusion, a common symptom in septic shock. However, this is not the most critical intervention in the management of septic shock.
Choice C rationale
Maintaining strict intake and output records is crucial in the management of septic shock. Fluid balance is a key component of sepsis management. Monitoring fluid balance helps ensure that the patient is adequately hydrated, which is essential for maintaining blood pressure and organ perfusion.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring the patient’s blood glucose level is important, especially if the patient is receiving insulin or has a history of diabetes. However, in the context of septic shock, this is not the highest priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Counting and recording the number of premature ventricular contractions per minute is not the immediate priority for a patient experiencing symptoms of angina and shortness of breath. While it is important to monitor the patient’s heart rhythm, the immediate priority is to address the patient’s symptoms and stabilize their condition.
Choice B rationale
Applying oxygen via a nasal cannula and adjusting to maintain oxygen saturation above 93% is the immediate priority for a patient experiencing symptoms of angina and shortness of breath. Oxygen therapy can help to relieve the symptoms of angina and improve the patient’s oxygen saturation.
Choice C rationale
Ensuring troponin level assessments are scheduled every 3 to 6 hours for a series of three is important for diagnosing a heart attack, but it is not the immediate priority. The immediate priority is to address the patient’s symptoms and stabilize their condition.
Choice D rationale
Initiating dim lighting, lowering alarm volumes, and controlling traffic in and out of the room area can help to create a calm and quiet environment for the patient. However, this is not the immediate priority. The immediate priority is to address the patient’s symptoms and stabilize their condition.
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The statement “This diagnosis means that I am crazy” requires follow-up teaching by the nurse. Mental health conditions do not equate to being “crazy”. It’s important to educate the client about the nature of their diagnosis and dispel any misconceptions.
Choice B rationale
The statement “Many people have the same response to a stressful situation as I am having right now” does not require follow-up teaching. It shows that the client understands that their reaction to stress is not uncommon.
Choice C rationale
The statement “I will probably need to be on medication for the rest of my life” requires follow-up teaching. While some conditions do require long-term medication, it’s not a certainty for all conditions. The duration of treatment can vary based on the individual’s response and the nature of their condition.
Choice D rationale
The statement “I can use holistic approaches like meditation to help my symptoms” does not require follow-up teaching. It shows that the client is open to using non-pharmacological methods to manage their symptoms, which can be a beneficial part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Choice E rationale
The statement “I am at high risk for post-traumatic stress disorder because I have acute stress disorder” does not require follow-up teaching. It’s accurate that individuals with acute stress disorder are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder.
Choice F rationale
The statement “I can learn to manage my thoughts better through therapy” does not require follow-up teaching. It shows that the client understands the benefits of therapy in managing their condition.
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