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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Clamp the chest tube immediately with a plastic clamp. Clamping the chest tube can lead to tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening complication. It should never be done unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider.
B. Apply an occlusive dressing over the chest tube site. This action is not indicated in this situation and could interfere with drainage.
C. Ensure the chest tubing is not kinked or hanging low. This is the correct intervention as a kinked or dependent chest tube can impede drainage, leading to respiratory distress.
D. Reinforce the chest tube connection to the container with tape. While ensuring the chest tube connection is secure is important, it is not the priority in this situation where the client is experiencing sudden shortness of breath.

A. Increase the fractional concentration of Inspired oxygen B. Change the ventilator settings to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) C. Increase the respiratory rate D. Continue weaning the ventilator as ordered E. Decrease the tidal volume F. Alert the provider of the blood gas values G. Switch the ventilator to pressure control

Correct Answer is ["A","F","G"]

Explanation

A. Increase the fractional concentration of Inspired oxygen: As the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO) has decreased to 64 mm Hg from 99 mm Hg, and the oxygen saturation may drop, it's necessary to increase the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) to maintain adequate oxygenation.
B. Change the ventilator settings to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): CPAP is not typically used in patients who are intubated. CPAP is a non-invasive ventilation mode used for patients with respiratory distress who are breathing spontaneously. In this case, the patient is intubated and requires mechanical ventilation, so CPAP is not appropriate.
C. Increase the respiratory rate: While the respiratory rate has decreased from 15 to 13 breaths/minute, it's important to maintain a careful balance when adjusting ventilator settings. Increasing the respiratory rate may not be necessary at this point, especially if the patient is still oxygenating adequately. Moreover, the primary concern appears to be hypoxemia rather than hypoventilation.
D. Continue weaning the ventilator as ordered: While weaning the patient off the ventilator is a goal, it may not be appropriate at this time, especially with the worsening blood gas values
indicating respiratory insufficiency. Continuing the weaning process could potentially exacerbate respiratory failure.

E. Decrease the tidal volume: Decreasing the tidal volume could worsen ventilation-perfusion matching and exacerbate hypoxemia. This approach might be considered in certain cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or in patients with severe lung injury, but it's not typically indicated in this scenario without further assessment.

F. Alert the provider of the blood gas values: The nurse should inform the provider about the changes in blood gas values, especially the decrease in PaO2 and the increase in PaCO2, which indicate worsening respiratory status and potential respiratory acidosis.

G. Switch the ventilator to pressure control: Given the deterioration in respiratory status with an increase in PaCO2 and decrease in PaO2, switching to pressure control ventilation may provide better control over the patient's ventilation and oxygenation, especially in cases of acute
respiratory failure.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with a right hemopneumothorax has a chest tube connected to suction. While turning to the left side, the client becomes suddenly short of breath and anxious. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Exhibits Based on the client's status at 1400, the nurse should plan to do which of the following? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","F","G"]

Explanation

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