The nurse is caring for a patient in shock with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and would expect to see the following assessments: petechiae, bleeding gums, and
Hepatomegaly.
Splenomegaly.
Anuria.
Ecchymosis.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Hepatomegaly, or enlarged liver, is not a typical finding in DIC. While DIC can affect multiple organs due to widespread microvascular thrombosis and bleeding, hepatomegaly is more commonly associated with other conditions such as liver diseases or congestive heart failure.
Choice B reason: Splenomegaly, or enlarged spleen, is also not a common finding in DIC. Although the spleen can be involved in various hematologic disorders, DIC primarily affects the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, leading to bleeding and clotting issues rather than spleen enlargement.
Choice C reason: Anuria, or absence of urine production, can occur in severe cases of DIC due to acute kidney injury from microvascular thrombosis or bleeding. However, it is not as common a finding as petechiae, bleeding gums, and ecchymosis. Anuria indicates a critical state requiring immediate intervention but is not the primary expected finding in DIC.
Choice D reason: Ecchymosis, or bruising, is a common finding in DIC. DIC involves widespread activation of the coagulation cascade leading to the consumption of clotting factors and platelets, resulting in bleeding manifestations such as petechiae, bleeding gums, and ecchymosis. These signs indicate the body's inability to form stable clots and the presence of spontaneous bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Rechecking all of the patient's vital signs is a good practice, but it is not the priority action in this scenario. The patient's symptoms indicate a potential case of autonomic dysreflexia, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate action to reduce blood pressure and address the cause. Rechecking vital signs alone will not resolve the underlying issue.
Choice B reason: Elevating the patient's knees and lowering the head of the bed is not an appropriate action in this situation. This position could potentially increase intracranial pressure and exacerbate the patient's condition. The focus should be on measures that will help lower the blood pressure and alleviate the symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia.
Choice C reason: The priority action is to elevate the head of the bed immediately and notify the provider. Elevating the head of the bed helps to decrease blood pressure and improve venous return. Promptly notifying the provider ensures that the patient receives timely medical intervention to address the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia, which is critical for preventing further complications.
Choice D reason: Administering PRN Tylenol for the patient's headache is not the priority in this situation. While pain management is important, the patient's symptoms suggest a more severe condition (autonomic dysreflexia) that requires immediate attention to lower blood pressure and address the root cause. Pain medication alone will not resolve the underlying issue and could delay necessary interventions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Inotropic drugs are used to improve the strength of the heart's contractions and support cardiac output in cases of heart failure or cardiogenic shock. While they may be used as supportive therapy in septic shock to maintain blood pressure and perfusion, they are not the primary treatment.
Choice B reason: Antibiotics are the primary and most crucial therapy for managing septic shock. Septic shock is caused by a severe infection that leads to systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction. Prompt administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics is essential to target the underlying infection and prevent the progression of septic shock. Antibiotic therapy is initiated as soon as possible, often after obtaining blood cultures to identify the causative pathogen.
Choice C reason: Antidysrhythmic drugs are used to manage abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. They are not specific to the treatment of septic shock but may be used if the patient develops arrhythmias as a complication of the shock state.
Choice D reason: Beta blockers are used to manage hypertension and certain types of arrhythmias by reducing the heart rate and the workload on the heart. They are not typically used in the acute management of septic shock and may even be contraindicated due to their potential to decrease cardiac output.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.