A nurse is caring for a 73-year-old client in the emergency department (ED)
Insert a nasogastric (NG) tube.
Type and cross-match for 2 units of packed RBCs.
Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Measure lactate level.
Rapidly administer 30 ml/kg of normal saline.
Obtain blood cultures.
Obtain a urine specimen.
Obtain a wound culture.
Correct Answer : C,D,E,F
A. Administering antibiotics helps target the suspected infection and prevent its spread. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are typically initiated until the specific pathogen is identified through cultures. This action should be completed as soon as possible within the first hour.
D. Lactate measurement is important in assessing tissue perfusion and the severity of sepsis. Elevated lactate levels indicate tissue hypoperfusion and can help identify patients at higher risk of mortality. Monitoring lactate levels guides resuscitation efforts and helps in assessing the response to treatment.
E. Fluid resuscitation is a cornerstone in the management of sepsis. Administering a large volume of intravenous fluids helps restore intravascular volume, improve tissue perfusion, and prevent further organ dysfunction. The recommended initial fluid bolus is 30 ml/kg of crystalloid solution, such as normal saline, administered rapidly within the first few hours of recognition of sepsis.
F. Blood cultures help identify the causative organism(s) responsible for the sepsis. This information is crucial for guiding antibiotic therapy, especially in cases of severe sepsis or septic shock. Blood cultures should be obtained before initiating antibiotic therapy to maximize their sensitivity and specificity.
B. Type and cross-match for packed red blood cells (PRBCs) are indicated in situations where blood transfusion may be required, such as severe anemia or active bleeding. While sepsis can lead to various complications, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the priority in the first hour is resuscitation and antibiotic administration.
G. Obtaining a urine specimen may be indicated to assess for urinary tract infection (UTI), which can be a potential source of sepsis. However, in the initial management of sepsis, obtaining blood cultures (option F) takes precedence as blood cultures provide more critical information for guiding antibiotic therapy.
H. Obtaining a wound culture may help identify the specific pathogens present in the wound and guide antibiotic therapy if the wound is suspected to be the source of sepsis. However, in the first hour of managing sepsis, the priority is to initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics and obtain blood cultures, as these interventions are more urgent in preventing further complications from sepsis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Hypotension may result from decreased cardiac output due to hypoxemia and acidosis or as a compensatory response to hypoxia-induced vasodilation. Therefore, monitoring for hypotension is important in ARF.
C. Hypoxemia can impair cerebral perfusion and neuronal function, leading to alterations in mental status ranging from confusion to coma. Decreased level of consciousness is a concerning sign of inadequate oxygenation and should be closely monitored in patients with ARF.
D. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a hallmark symptom of respiratory failure. In ARF, the respiratory system's inability to adequately oxygenate or ventilate leads to increased work of breathing and feelings of breathlessness. Patients with ARF often experience severe dyspnea as they struggle to maintain adequate gas exchange.
E. Headache is not typically considered a primary manifestation of ARF. However, it may occur as a secondary symptom due to factors such as hypoxemia, hypercapnia, or acidosis. Patients with ARF may experience headache as a result of cerebral vasodilation in response to hypoxia or as a symptom of underlying conditions contributing to respiratory failure.
B. Nausea is not a typical manifestation of ARF itself. However, it may occur as a secondary symptom due to factors such as hypoxia, acidosis, or medications administered for the management of ARF. While nausea may be present, it is not a direct result of respiratory failure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D Sedatives are typically administered alongside neuromuscular blockers to ensure the patient's comfort and prevent awareness during mechanical ventilation.
A The absence of a cough reflex when suctioned is expected in a patient receiving cisatracurium (Nimbex) because it is a neuromuscular blocking agent that induces paralysis. Cisatracurium inhibits skeletal muscle movement, including the muscles involved in coughing.
B An oxygen saturation between 90% to 93% is within an acceptable range for a patient in this condition.
C The lack of response to voice may indicate that the patient is sedated or experiencing effects from the neuromuscular blocking agent. However, since the patient is receiving cisatracurium to prevent asynchronous breathing with the positive pressure ventilator, it's expected that the patient will not respond to voice due to the medication-induced paralysis.
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