A 20-year-old female is being admitted to the hospital with fever and septic shock. Which set of assessment findings would the nurse expect the patient to exhibit?
Bradycardia, palpitations, confusion, truncal rash.
Severe respiratory distress, jugular venous distention, chest pain.
Low blood pressure and tachycardia.
Reduced cardiac output, increased systemic vascular resistance, moist cough.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Bradycardia, palpitations, confusion, and truncal rash are not typically associated with septic shock. Septic shock is a severe infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream. It can cause organs to fail and can lead to death.
Choice B rationale
Severe respiratory distress, jugular venous distention, and chest pain are more commonly associated with conditions like heart failure or pulmonary embolism, not septic shock.
Choice C rationale
Low blood pressure and tachycardia are common symptoms of septic shock. This happens because the body’s response to the infection causes blood vessels to dilate, which can lower blood pressure. The heart rate often increases (tachycardia) in an attempt to maintain blood flow to the organs.
Choice D rationale
Reduced cardiac output, increased systemic vascular resistance, and a moist cough are not typical symptoms of septic shock. These symptoms are more commonly associated with conditions like heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While fasting may be required before certain procedures, it is not the most crucial piece of information that the nurse needs to relay to the healthcare provider prior to a cardiac catheterization and coronary angiogram.
Choice B rationale
A shellfish allergy is crucial information because the dye used in an angiogram can cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to shellfish.
Choice C rationale
Although a previous heart attack is significant medical history, it is not the most crucial piece of information to relay prior to this procedure.
Choice D rationale
The rating of the patient’s pedal pulses is not the most crucial piece of information to relay prior to this procedure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Exercise electrocardiography, also known as a stress test, is not typically the first-line emergent procedure for a patient with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This test is often used to diagnose coronary artery disease, but it is not typically used to treat an AMI5.
Choice B rationale
A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest with contrast could be used to visualize the heart and surrounding structures, but it is not typically the first-line emergent procedure for a patient with an AMI5.
Choice C rationale
An echocardiogram could be used to visualize the heart’s structure and function, but it is not typically the first-line emergent procedure for a patient with an AMI5.
Choice D rationale
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the correct answer. This procedure is often used as an emergent treatment for an AMI. It involves using a catheter to place a small structure called a stent to open up blood vessels in the heart that have been narrowed by plaque buildup.

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.
