A patient has developed signs and symptoms of septic shock following a urinary tract infection one week ago.
The healthcare provider has prescribed a sepsis protocol to be initiated.
Which intervention should the nurse prioritize in the plan of care?
Keep the head of the bed raised 45 degrees.
Assess the warmth of the extremities.
Maintain strict intake and output records.
Monitor the patient’s blood glucose level.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Keeping the head of the bed raised 45 degrees is a common practice in intensive care units to prevent aspiration pneumonia. However, in the context of septic shock, this intervention is not the highest priority.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the warmth of the extremities can provide information about peripheral perfusion. Cold extremities may indicate poor perfusion, a common symptom in septic shock. However, this is not the most critical intervention in the management of septic shock.
Choice C rationale
Maintaining strict intake and output records is crucial in the management of septic shock. Fluid balance is a key component of sepsis management. Monitoring fluid balance helps ensure that the patient is adequately hydrated, which is essential for maintaining blood pressure and organ perfusion.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring the patient’s blood glucose level is important, especially if the patient is receiving insulin or has a history of diabetes. However, in the context of septic shock, this is not the highest priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Diaphragmatic respirations are normal in infants and do not necessarily indicate acute respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale
A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths/min is within the normal range for a 4-month-old infant and does not necessarily indicate acute respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
Bilateral bronchial breath sounds are normal findings and do not necessarily indicate acute respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale
Flaring of the nares, or nostrils, is a sign of respiratory distress in children. It indicates that the child is having to work harder to breathe.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
There is no indication that Patient D, who is scheduled for an appendectomy and has a white blood cell (WBC) count of 14,000 mm² (14 x 10°/L), needs to be transferred to an isolation room 24 hours prior to surgery.
Choice B rationale
Patient A, diagnosed with emphysema and has an oxygen saturation of 94% on room air, does not necessarily need an increase in oxygen. An oxygen saturation of 94% is within normal limits.
Choice C rationale
Patient B, who is postoperative with a hemoglobin level of 8.2 mg/dL (82 g/L), may require a blood transfusion. A hemoglobin level of 8.2 mg/dL is low, and having packed cells available is a prudent measure.
Choice D rationale
Patient C, newly admitted with a potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L), has a normal potassium level. Including a banana in the breakfast tray is not a priority.
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