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.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

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

Explanation

A) Correct- Weighing the client and reporting any weight gain is a routine measurement that can be safely performed by the UAP. Weight gain can be an important indicator of fluid retention, a common issue in Cushing's syndrome.
B) Correct- Reporting any client complaints of pain or discomfort is important for monitoring the client's well-being and promptly addressing any potential issues.
C) Incorrect- Evaluating the client for sleep disturbances involves assessing the client's sleep patterns, quality, and potential disruptions. This requires nursing judgment and a deeper understanding of the client's condition and potential contributing factors, so it's not appropriate to delegate this task to the UAP.
D) Correct- Noting and reporting the client's food and liquid intake during meals and snacks is part of monitoring the client's nutritional status, which is an appropriate task for the UAP.
E) Incorrect- Assessing the client for weakness and fatigue involves a more comprehensive evaluation of the client's physical and physiological status, which requires nursing expertise. The nurse should directly assess and interpret these symptoms in the context of Cushing's syndrome to provide appropriate interventions.

A. Side-lying with the head slightly elevated. B. Standing with the head leaning backward. C. Sitting up and leaning forward. D. Supine with the legs raised.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect- This position is not ideal for managing a nosebleed because it does not promote drainage and may lead to blood flowing down the throat.
B) Incorrect- Leaning the head backward can cause blood to flow down the throat and may lead to choking or aspiration.
C) Correct- Placing the child in a sitting position and leaning forward helps prevent blood from flowing down the back of the throat, which can lead to choking or aspiration. Leaning forward allows the blood to drain out through the nostrils.
D) Incorrect- Placing the child in a supine position with raised legs is not recommended for managing a nosebleed, as it may lead to blood flowing down the throat.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is managing the care of a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which intervention(s) should the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.)

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

Explanation

The school nurse is called to the soccer field because a child has a nose bleed (epistaxis). In which position should the nurse place the child?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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

The nurse is caring for a client with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease who is experiencing episodes of confusion. Which finding alerts the nurse that the client may be experiencing a complication?

A client who is receiving zidovudine reports the appearance of pinpoint, red, round spots on the skin. Which result should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

Following morning care, a client with a C-5 spinal cord injury who is sitting in a wheelchair becomes flushed and complains of a headache. Which intervention should the nurse implementfirst?

The nurse is administering multiple prescribed vaccines to a toddler. Which strategy should the nurse prioritize to reduce the duration of pain?

A client who is one day postpartum tells the nurse that her baby cannot latch onto the breast. The nurse determines that the client's nipples are inverted. Which action should the nurse implement?