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 B
Explanation
B. Checking the left hand for pallor can help assess peripheral perfusion and determine if there is adequate blood flow distal to the arterial line insertion site. Pallor in the left hand could indicate decreased perfusion, which may contribute to the low-pressure alarm.
A. Re-zeroing the monitoring equipment may be necessary to ensure accurate pressure readings. However, it should not be the first action taken when the low-pressure alarm sounds. Before re-zeroing, the nurse should assess the patient's condition to ensure there are no immediate issues affecting arterial pressure.
C. Fast flushing the arterial line is not typically the first action to take when the low-pressure alarm sounds. Fast flushing may increase the risk of dislodging the catheter or causing air embolism if there is a problem with the line.
D. Assessing for dysrhythmias should be part of the overall assessment but may not be the first action taken in response to the alarm.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
First, the nurse should open the airway using a jaw-thrust maneuver (C) to ensure it is not obstructed. Next, they should determine the effectiveness of ventilatory efforts (B), as breathing is critical and any compromise must be addressed immediately. Following this, establishing IV access (D) is important for fluid resuscitation and medication administration. The nurse should then perform a Glasgow Coma Scale assessment (E) to determine the level of consciousness and neurological function. Lastly, removing clothing for a thorough assessment (A) is essential, but only after the critical steps concerning airway, breathing, circulation, and disability have been addressed.
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