A client is admitted to the surgical intensive care unit following the removal of a large portion of the intestines due to a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The client begins to display signs of septic shock and a sepsis protocol is initiated. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care?

Maintain strict intake and output.

Assess warmth of extremities.

Keep head of bed raised 45 degrees.

Monitor blood glucose level.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition characterized by a severe infection that leads to systemic inflammation, organ dysfunction, and low blood pressure. Maintaining strict intake and output monitoring is essential to assess the client's fluid balance and response to interventions. It allows the nurse to closely monitor the client's urine output, which is a crucial indicator of renal perfusion and overall organ function.

Monitoring urine output helps the nurse assess the adequacy of tissue perfusion and the client's response to fluid resuscitation. A decrease in urine output can be an early sign of worsening organ dysfunction and a need for further interventions.

While assessing the warmth of extremities is important for evaluating peripheral perfusion, maintaining strict intake and output monitoring takes priority as it provides more comprehensive information about the client's overall fluid status.

Raising the head of the bed 45 degrees (semi-Fowler's position) can help optimize respiratory function and reduce the risk of aspiration, but it is not the most important intervention in this case.

Monitoring blood glucose levels is important, as hyperglycemia can be associated with sepsis. However, in the context of septic shock, maintaining strict intake and output monitoring takes precedence as it directly assesses the client's fluid balance and response to interventions.

It's crucial to note that the management of septic shock requires a multidisciplinary approach, and other interventions, such as administering appropriate antibiotics, initiating fluid resuscitation, and addressing the underlying source of infection, should also be implemented in a timely manner.

Nursing Test Bank

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B"]

Explanation

The correct answer is a. Inspect skin for redness and b. Use a residual limb shrinker.

Choice A rationale:

Inspecting the skin for redness is crucial to identify any signs of infection or pressure sores early. Redness can indicate irritation or the beginning of a pressure ulcer, which needs to be addressed promptly to prevent further complications.

Choice B rationale:

Using a residual limb shrinker helps to reduce swelling and shape the residual limb for prosthetic fitting. It also helps in managing pain and promoting healing by providing consistent compression.

Choice C rationale:

Avoiding range of motion exercises is incorrect. Range of motion exercises are essential to maintain joint flexibility and prevent contractures, which can hinder the use of a prosthetic limb.

Choice D rationale:

Applying alcohol to the residual limb after bathing is not recommended. Alcohol can dry out the skin and cause irritation, which can lead to skin breakdown and infection. Instead, the residual limb should be kept clean and moisturized with appropriate skin care products.

A. Review the literature and answer any questions the nurse is able to answer. B. Determine their reasoning for seeking genetic counseling at this time. C. Tell the couple that it is best to call the counselor with their questions. D. Recommend a community support group for parents of children with Trisomy 21.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Correct- As a nurse, it's important to provide accurate and helpful information to patients and families. In this situation, the parents have brought literature from a genetic counselor and are seeking clarification. The nurse should review the literature to the best of their ability and answer any questions they can. This approach demonstrates support, a willingness to help, and a commitment to providing accurate information.
B) Incorrect- While understanding the parents' reasons for seeking genetic counseling is important, it shouldn't be the first response when they have already brought literature and are seeking clarification. Addressing their questions and concerns is the immediate priority.
C) Incorrect- While it's true that the couple could contact the genetic counselor for further information, as a healthcare professional, the nurse should still offer assistance by reviewing the literature and answering questions to the best of their ability.
D) Incorrect- While support groups can be beneficial for parents of children with Trisomy 21, the immediate concern is addressing the parents' questions about the literature they've brought. Providing accurate information should be the primary focus at this time.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is preparing a client who had a below-the-knee (BKA) amputation for discharge to home. Which recommendation(s) should the nurse provide this client? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B"]

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with a chlamydia infection receives a prescription for a single dose azithromycin 1 gram by mouth. The bottle is labeled "Azithromycin for Oral Suspension, USP 200 mg per 5 mL." How many mL should the nurse administer? (Enter numerical value only.)

The nurse discovers that an older client with no history of cardiac or renal disease has an elevated serum magnesium level. To further investigate the cause of this electrolyte imbalance, what information is most important for the nurse to obtain from the client's medical history?

A client tells the nurse about jogging every day with the hope of losing weight and sleeping better. The client states that it takes hours to fall asleep at night and is experiencing fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day. Which action should the nurse implement?

A client with persistent low back pain has received a prescription for an electronic stimulator (TENS) unit. After the nurse applies the electrodes and turns on the power, the client reports feeling a tingling sensation. How should the nurse respond?

An older client is being admitted to a short-term rehabilitation facility after a long hospitalization. The nurse is performing a functional assessment with the client. Which action should the nurse implement?

A client who has been taking allopurinol prophylactically comes into the clinic with reoccurring gout attack episodes in left ankle. The healthcare provider changes the prescription to febuxostat. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

Patient Data What other treatments might be helpful for this client? Select all that apply.