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.
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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"B"}
Explanation
Correct Answer is ["200"]
Explanation
To calculate the mL/hour for the erythromycin infusion, we first need to determine the infusion rate in mL/minute.
The infusion is to be completed over 30 minutes, which is equal to 0.5 hours. Next, we divide the total volume (100 mL) by the total time (0.5 hours) to get the infusion rate in mL/hour:
Infusion rate = Total volume / Total time
Infusion rate = 100 mL / 0.5 hours Infusion rate = 200 mL/hour
Therefore, the nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver the erythromycin infusion at a rate of 200 mL/hour.
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