A client admitted to the hospital with a suspected ruptured diverticulum develops signs and symptoms of septic shock. The healthcare provider prescribes a sepsis protocol. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care?
Monitor blood glucose level.
Maintain strict intake and output.
Keep head of bed raised 45 degrees.
Assess warmth of extremities.
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale for A: Monitoring blood glucose levels is important in septic patients as hyperglycemia can occur due to stress response, and insulin resistance may develop. However, it is not the most critical intervention for immediate stabilization.
Rationale for B: Maintaining strict intake and output is crucial for a patient in septic shock because fluid balance is a key component in managing shock. Accurate measurement of intake and output ensures appropriate fluid resuscitation, which is vital for maintaining blood pressure and organ perfusion.
Rationale for C: Keeping the head of the bed raised 45 degrees can help prevent aspiration, which is particularly important in patients who are at risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or those who are sedated. However, this is not the primary intervention for septic shock management.
Rationale for D: Assessing the warmth of extremities can provide information about peripheral circulation and may indicate the effectiveness of cardiac output. Nevertheless, it is not the most immediate concern in the management of septic shock.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Provide only distilled water. Providing only distilled water is not appropriate in this situation.
The client's weight gain and electrolyte imbalance indicate the need for careful monitoring and intervention, but restricting fluid intake to distilled water alone may not address the underlying issues adequately.
B. Document abdominal girth. Documenting abdominal girth is important to assess for signs of ascites, which can occur in hepatic failure. A sudden weight gain and elevated blood pressure may indicate fluid retention, and documenting abdominal girth can provide additional information about fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
C. Offer a high protein diet. While nutritional support is important for clients with hepatic failure, offering a high protein diet may not be appropriate if the client has an electrolyte imbalance. Protein intake should be balanced and monitored carefully to avoid exacerbating the imbalance.
D. Use a cushion when sitting. Using a cushion when sitting may be beneficial for comfort, but it does not directly address the identified issues of electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and weight gain. The priority is to assess and address these concerns through appropriate
interventions such as documenting abdominal girth and addressing fluid retention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Keep diabetic medication on schedule as prescribed.
This is the correct answer because maintaining a regular schedule for diabetic medication is crucial for managing blood glucose levels and preventing complications.
B. Limit maximum daily fat intake to 15% of total calories.
While reducing fat intake can be beneficial for overall health, it is not directly related to managing acute blood glucose levels or preventing immediate complications of diabetes.
C. Check blood sugar levels every four to six hours every day.
Frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels is important, but checking every four to six hours may not be necessary for all clients, especially if they are not on insulin or if their diabetes is well-controlled. It depends on individual needs and physician recommendations.
D. Restrict alcoholic beverages to no more than 1-2 per week.
Limiting alcohol intake is good advice for overall health and diabetes management, but it is not the most critical action compared to keeping medications on schedule to prevent complications.
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