A patient has been diagnosed with septic shock.
What collaborative interventions would be expected? (Select all that apply)
Temperature control for either hypothermia or hyperthermia.
Administration of cardiotonic agents such as dopamine, dobutamine, or norepinephrine.
Administration of a thrombolytic (streptokinase).
Subcutaneous administration of epinephrine (1:1000) 0.5 to 1 ml every 5 to 15 minutes.
Blood cultures from all suspected sources before administration of antibiotics.
Vigorous intravenous fluid resuscitation with 0.9% sodium chloride.
Correct Answer : A,B,E,F
Choice A rationale:
Temperature control for either hypothermia or hyperthermia is crucial in septic shock management. Here's a detailed explanation:
Hypothermia:
Mechanism: Septic shock often causes impaired thermoregulation, leading to hypothermia. It can worsen shock by decreasing cardiac output, impairing coagulation, and promoting vasoconstriction.
Intervention: Active warming measures are essential, including: External warming devices (e.g., blankets, forced air warmers) Intravenous fluids warmed to 39-42°C
Warmed humidified oxygen
Minimizing exposure and covering the patient Hyperthermia:
Mechanism: Sepsis can trigger an excessive inflammatory response, leading to hyperthermia. It can exacerbate tissue injury, increase metabolic demands, and worsen organ dysfunction.
Intervention: Aggressive measures to lower temperature are necessary, including:
Antipyretic medications (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) External cooling methods (e.g., cooling blankets, ice packs) Sedation if shivering occurs
Choice B rationale:
Administration of cardiotonic agents such as dopamine, dobutamine, or norepinephrine is often required in septic shock to: Improve cardiac output: These agents increase myocardial contractility and heart rate, enhancing blood flow to vital organs.
Maintain blood pressure: They support vasoconstriction, counteracting the widespread vasodilation characteristic of septic shock.
Improve tissue perfusion: By optimizing cardiac output and blood pressure, they help ensure adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues.
Choice E rationale:
Blood cultures from all suspected sources before administration of antibiotics are essential for guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Early identification of the causative organism: This information is crucial for selecting the most effective antibiotic regimen.
Prevention of antibiotic resistance: Judicious use of antibiotics based on culture results helps prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Choice F rationale:
Vigorous intravenous fluid resuscitation with 0.9% sodium chloride is a cornerstone of septic shock management.
Replenishing intravascular volume: Septic shock often causes profound intravascular volume depletion due to capillary leak and vasodilation. Fluid resuscitation aims to restore circulating volume and maintain organ perfusion.
Improving hemodynamic stability: By increasing preload and cardiac output, fluids help stabilize blood pressure and support vital organ function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Distended neck veins are not a reliable indicator of dehydration in adults. They can be caused by other factors, such as heart failure or fluid overload.
In cases of dehydration, the veins in the neck may actually be less visible due to decreased blood volume.
It's important to assess for other signs and symptoms of dehydration, such as urine output, skin turgor, and vital signs, to make an accurate diagnosis.
Choice B rationale:
A bounding pulse can be a sign of dehydration, but it can also be caused by other factors, such as anxiety, exercise, or fever. It's important to assess the pulse rate and rhythm in conjunction with other signs and symptoms to determine the cause.
A normal pulse rate is 60-100 beats per minute in adults. A bounding pulse is typically a strong, forceful pulse that can be easily felt.
Choice C rationale:
A blood pressure of 146/94 mm Hg is considered elevated, but it is not necessarily a sign of dehydration. Blood pressure can be elevated due to other factors, such as stress, pain, or underlying medical conditions. It's important to assess blood pressure in conjunction with other signs and symptoms to determine the cause. Choice D rationale:
Urine specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine. A higher urine specific gravity indicates more concentrated urine, which is a sign of dehydration.
A normal urine specific gravity is 1.005-1.030. A urine specific gravity of 1.034 is considered high and is a strong indicator of dehydration.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Malnutrition is a risk factor for HAIs, but it is not a common cause. Malnutrition weakens the immune system, making it less able to fight off infection. However, malnutrition is not directly responsible for the introduction of pathogens into the body, which is a necessary step for the development of an HAI.
Choice C rationale:
Multiple caregivers can contribute to the spread of pathogens, but it is not a common cause of HAIs. When multiple caregivers are involved in a patient's care, there is a greater chance that one of them may be carrying a pathogen and transmit it to the patient. However, this is not the most common way that HAIs are spread.
Choice D rationale:
Chlorhexidine washes are actually used to prevent HAIs, not cause them. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that kills bacteria and other pathogens. It is often used to clean the skin before surgery or other invasive procedures.
Choice B rationale:
Urinary catheterization is a common cause of HAIs. A urinary catheter is a tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain urine. Catheters can introduce bacteria into the bladder, which can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are the most common type of HAI.
Here are some of the reasons why urinary catheterization is a common cause of HAIs:
Catheters can introduce bacteria into the bladder. The catheter itself can act as a conduit for bacteria to enter the bladder. Bacteria can also enter the bladder around the catheter, where the catheter enters the urethra.
Catheters can irritate the bladder. This can make the bladder more susceptible to infection. Catheters can obstruct the flow of urine. This can allow bacteria to grow in the bladder.
Catheters can be difficult to keep clean. This can increase the risk of bacteria growing on the catheter and being introduced into the bladder.
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