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 []

Explanation

Cardiovascular

- Capillary refill 4 seconds

- A prolonged capillary refill time indicates poor peripheral perfusion, which can be a sign of hypoxia. Hypoxia can lead to reduced oxygen delivery to the tissues, resulting in delayed capillary refill.

Respiratory

- Oxygen saturation 90% on room air

- An oxygen saturation level of 90% is below the normal range (95-100%) and indicates that the blood is not adequately oxygenated, which is a direct sign of hypoxia.

- Respiratory rate 28 breaths/minute

- An elevated respiratory rate (tachypnea) is a common compensatory mechanism in response to hypoxia. The body attempts to increase oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion by breathing more rapidly.

Neurological

- Anxious

- Anxiety can be a symptom of hypoxia. When the brain and other vital organs do not receive enough oxygen, it can trigger a sense of anxiety and restlessness as part of the body's alarm system.

- Restless

- Restlessness is another common symptom of hypoxia. It occurs because the body is trying to compensate for the lack of oxygen, leading to increased agitation and an inability to remain
calm.

Rationales for the Incorrect Choices:

- Cardiovascular

- Heart rate 101 beats/minute: While an elevated heart rate can be a compensatory response to hypoxia, it alone does not directly indicate hypoxia.
- Blood pressure 145/89 mm Hg: Elevated blood pressure is not a direct indicator of hypoxia and can be influenced by various factors including anxiety and pain.

- Respiratory

- Productive cough: A productive cough suggests respiratory infection or inflammation but does not directly measure oxygenation status or indicate hypoxia.

- Neurological

- Awake and alert: Being awake and alert indicates normal mental status and does not suggest hypoxia. Hypoxia typically affects cognitive function, leading to confusion or decreased level of consciousness in more severe cases.

A. Administer oxygen 5 L/minute via simple face mask B. Bacitracin applied topically to lacerations every 12 hours C. Place 2 large bore peripheral IV's D. X-ray of the right arm and cervical spin E. Computed tomography scan of the brain F. Vital signs ever 1 hour G. Give 1 Liter bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride solution IV once

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

Explanation

A. Administer oxygen 5 L/minute via simple face mask: Oxygen administration is a priority intervention to improve oxygenation and address the client's low oxygen saturation of 82%.
Hypoxemia can lead to tissue hypoxia and further compromise the client's condition. Therefore, administering oxygen should be the first action taken to ensure an adequate oxygen supply to vital organs.
B. Bacitracin applied topically to lacerations every 12 hours: While wound care is important, administering oxygen and establishing IV access take precedence over topical
treatment. Oxygenation and fluid resuscitation are critical in the immediate management of a trauma patient to ensure adequate tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery.

C. Place 2 large bore peripheral IV's: Establishing IV access is essential for administering medications and fluids rapidly. This is particularly important in this scenario where the client may require immediate fluid resuscitation due to hypotension (blood pressure of 83/41 mm Hg).
Large bore IV access allows for rapid infusion of fluids and medications to stabilize the client's hemodynamic status.

D. X-ray of the right arm and cervical spine: While diagnostic imaging is important for assessing injuries, it is not as urgent as administering oxygen and establishing IV access. Oxygenation and fluid resuscitation are higher priorities to stabilize the client's condition before proceeding with diagnostic tests.

E. Computed tomography scan of the brain: While a CT scan of the brain is essential for assessing potential head injuries, the immediate focus should be on stabilizing the client's oxygenation and hemodynamic status. Administering oxygen and fluids take precedence over diagnostic imaging to address the client's hypoxemia and hypotension.

F. Vital signs every 1 hour: Monitoring vital signs is important for ongoing assessment, but it is not as urgent as administering oxygen and fluids. Vital signs should be monitored closely, but immediate interventions to address hypoxemia and hypovolemia are critical to stabilize the client's condition.

G. Give 1 Liter bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride solution IV once: The client's hypotension (blood pressure of 83/41 mm Hg) indicates hypovolemia and the need for fluid resuscitation. Administering a bolus of intravenous fluids (1 Liter bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride solution) is essential to address hypovolemia and improve perfusion to vital organs. This intervention helps stabilize the client's blood pressure and prevent further deterioration of her condition.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exhibits here The nurse places the client on a cardiorespiratory monitor and places the nasal cannula on the client. The nurse then completes an assessment and documents it in the chart. For each body system, click to specify the assessment findings that indicates hypoxia.

Correct Answer is []

Explanation

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

Explanation

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