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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","F"]

Explanation

A.Bone misalignment- The nurse’s notes mention that the collarbone appears out of alignment on the left side. This could indicate a fracture or dislocation and should be investigated further.

B.Decreased range of motion- The client reports an inability to move his left arm. This could be due to the pain or a result of the injury and should be investigated further.

C.Left arm that is cool to touch- Decreased temperature in a limb can indicate poor circulation, which could be a result of the injury. This should be investigated further.

D.Swelling at the site of injury- Swelling and bruising are present on the client’s shoulder. This is a common sign of injury and should be investigated further.

E.Blood pressure of 136/90 mm Hg- While this blood pressure is not extremely high, it is on the higher end of normal. Given the client’s age and the stress of the situation, it would be worth monitoring.

F.Intense pain reported by client- The client reports a pain rating of 10 on a 0 to 10 scale in the left arm. This level of pain is concerning and should be addressed.

G.Oxygen saturation 95% on room air- While an oxygen saturation of 95% is within the normal range, given the client’s recent trauma and reported nausea, it would be prudent to monitor this closely.

A. Transfer Patient D to an isolation room 24 hours prior to surgery. B. Increase Patient A’s oxygen to 4 L/minute via nasal cannula. C. Ensure that there are two units of packed cells available for Patient B. D. Request the dietitian to include a banana in Patient C’s breakfast tray.

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.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exhibits The nurse considers the brief interaction with the client and the triage report. What finding(s) should the nurse investigate further? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","F"]

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client is two hours postoperative from a cardiac catheterization via the right femoral artery.Which assessment finding indicates arterial obstruction?

Exhibits The nurse notifies the healthcare provider of the client’s status. The healthcare provider comes to the bedside to evaluate the client. Which should the nurse do? Select all that apply. Potential Actions

The patient is resting in bed and cooperative with her mother at her bedside. Which of the following assessments were made?

What breakfast option should a nurse suggest for a 16-year-old patient suffering from diarrhea?

While preparing to administer a scheduled IV medication, a client complains of pain at the IV site and refuses a flush to assess the site.What should the nurse do next?

After inflating a blood pressure cuff and releasing the valve, the nurse hears silence followed by a Korotkoff sound.Which action should the nurse take next?

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?