A patient with septic shock has a BP of 70/46 mm Hg. pulse of 136 beats/min, respirations of 32 breaths/min, temperature of 104" F, and blood glucose of 246 mg/dL. Which intervention ordered by the health care provider should the nurse implement first?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg rectally.
Start insulin drip to maintain blood glucose at 110 to 150 mg/dl.
Administer normal saline IV at 500 mL/hr.
Start norepinephrine to keep blood pressure above 90 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is C
C. The first intervention should be to administer normal saline IV at 500 mL/hr to address the immediate concern of hypotension and inadequate tissue perfusion.
A. While fever control is important, especially in septic shock, administering acetaminophen should not be the first intervention in a patient with severe hypotension and shock. Addressing the low blood pressure and perfusion is a higher priority.
B. Hyperglycemia is common in critically ill patients, including those with septic shock. However, in this scenario, the patient's severely low blood pressure and signs of shock take precedence over managing hyperglycemia. Insulin therapy can be initiated later once the patient's hemodynamic status is stabilized.
D. Norepinephrine is a vasopressor medication commonly used in septic shock to increase blood pressure and improve perfusion to vital organs. It helps counteract the vasodilation and hypotension characteristic of septic shock.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Administering furosemide, a loop diuretic, to a patient in septic shock with low urine output could exacerbate hypovolemia and worsen organ perfusion. It could further reduce preload, exacerbating hypotension, and impairing cardiac output. Loop diuretics are typically contraindicated in hypovolemic shock.
A. Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone can help improve vascular tone and responsiveness to vasopressors. Given the patient's clinical presentation and lack of response to initial fluid resuscitation, administering hydrocortisone is appropriate.
C. Increasing the fluid infusion rate can help restore intravascular volume and improve organ perfusion. However, caution should be exercised to avoid fluid overload and pulmonary edema.
D .Norepinephrine is a vasopressor commonly used to increase systemic vascular resistance and improve blood pressure in septic shock. It helps maintain perfusion pressure to vital organs, thereby supporting organ function.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Pacemaker spikes before each QRS complex: This is the correct answer. In a client with a ventricular pacemaker, the pacemaker spikes should precede each QRS complex on the ECG strip. This indicates that the pacemaker is appropriately stimulating the ventricles to depolarize and initiate a heartbeat. The
presence of pacemaker spikes before each QRS complex signifies that the pacemaker is functioning properly and effectively pacing the ventricles.
B. Pacemaker spikes occurring after each QRS complex would suggest a malfunction or inappropriate timing of the pacemaker. In this scenario, the pacemaker would not be pacing the ventricles as intended. This would be an abnormal finding and would require further assessment and intervention.
C. Pacemaker spikes preceding each P wave would suggest pacing of the atria rather than the ventricles. This would indicate a different type of pacemaker (atrial pacemaker) or inappropriate pacing settings for a ventricular pacemaker. In either case, it would be considered abnormal for a ventricular pacemaker and would require evaluation and possibly reprogramming of the pacemaker.
D. Pacemaker spikes occurring with each T wave would be an abnormal finding and would suggest interference or oversensing by the pacemaker. This could lead to inappropriate pacing or dysrhythmias. It would require further investigation and correction to ensure proper pacemaker function.
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