A nurse is caring for a group of critically ill clients. Which of the following clients are exhibiting potential manifestations of sepsis? (Select all that apply)

A client who has a temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) and a heart rate of 88/min.

A client who has a heart rate of 132/min and a respiratory rate of 30/min.

A client who has a decrease in level of consciousness and a heart rate greater than 130/min.

A client who has bradypnea and a white blood cell (WBC) count of 10,000/mm³ (normal range: 5,000 to 10,000/mm³).

A client who has a temperature of 36°C (96.8°F) and a respiratory rate of 16/min.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,C

Choice A reason:
A temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is slightly elevated but not necessarily indicative of sepsis. A heart rate of 88/min is within normal limits (60-100/min). This client's signs do not strongly suggest sepsis.

Choice B reason:
A heart rate of 132/min and a respiratory rate of 30/min are both elevated, which can be signs of sepsis. Sepsis can cause an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) and respiratory rate (tachypnea) as the body attempts to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygenation during a systemic infection.

Choice C reason:
A decrease in the level of consciousness combined with a heart rate greater than 130/min could indicate sepsis, as confusion or changes in mental status are common symptoms when the body is fighting a severe infection.

Choice D reason:
Bradypnea, or abnormally slow breathing, is not typically associated with sepsis, which more commonly causes rapid breathing. A WBC count of 10,000/mm³ is at the upper limit of the normal range and does not necessarily indicate sepsis without other symptoms.

Choice E reason:
A temperature of 36°C (96.8°F) is on the lower end of the normal body temperature range and does not suggest fever, which is a common sign of sepsis. A respiratory rate of 16/min is within the normal range (12-20/min) and does not indicate sepsis.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:
In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce sufficient thyroid hormones, including Free T4. Therefore, we would not expect an elevation of Free T4 in primary hypothyroidism; instead, its levels would typically be low or normal.

Choice B reason:
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are elevated in primary hypothyroidism because the pituitary gland releases more TSH in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones. This is a compensatory response to the low levels of circulating thyroid hormones, particularly thyroxine (T4).

Choice C reason:
Serum T3 levels may be low or normal in primary hypothyroidism. T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone and is usually converted from T4. If T4 levels are low, T3 levels may also be affected; however, T3 levels are not the primary diagnostic marker for hypothyroidism and do not typically show elevation in this condition.

Choice D reason:
Serum T4 levels are typically low in primary hypothyroidism because the thyroid gland is not producing enough of this hormone. An elevation of serum T4 would not be expected unless the patient is receiving treatment for hypothyroidism.

A. Ecchymosis of the surrounding skin B. Acute pain C. Bounding distal pulse D. Increasing edema

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Ecchymosis, or bruising, of the surrounding skin is a common finding associated with fractures due to the trauma to blood vessels in the area. While it can indicate bleeding or injury, ecchymosis itself does not specifically indicate impaired venous return.

Choice B reason:
Acute pain is a typical symptom following a fracture and results from the injury to the bone and surrounding tissues. Pain is an expected finding and does not directly suggest an issue with venous return.

Choice C reason:
A bounding distal pulse may actually suggest increased arterial flow or could be a sign of other conditions such as high blood pressure or fever. It does not indicate impaired venous return, which is typically characterized by a lack of pulse or a very weak pulse.

Choice D reason:
Increasing edema, or swelling, in the affected arm is a sign of impaired venous return. When veins are unable to effectively return blood to the heart, fluid can accumulate in the tissues, leading to edema. In the context of a fracture, this could be due to compression or damage to the veins, which can impede blood flow and result in swelling.

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A nurse is caring for a group of critically ill clients. Which of the following clients are exhibiting potential manifestations of sepsis? (Select all that apply)

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a clinic is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has primary hypothyroidism. The nurse should anticipate an elevation of which of the following laboratory values?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has a left lower arm fracture. Which of the following findings indicates impaired venous return in the client's affected arm?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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