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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Exenatide is a medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. One of the potential side effects of exenatide is pancreatitis, which can cause severe abdominal pain. Therefore, patients should be instructed to notify their healthcare provider if they start having abdominal pain after starting exenatide.
Choice B rationale
Exenatide should be injected within 60 minutes (1 hour) before the morning and evening meal (or before the two main meals of the day, at least 6 hours apart), not 30 minutes before or after a meal. Therefore, this instruction is incorrect.
Choice C rationale
Exenatide does not act in the same way as insulin. While both insulin and exenatide help to control high blood sugar, they work in different ways. Insulin allows sugar in your blood to enter your cells, while exenatide works by increasing the release of insulin when blood sugar levels are high, decreasing the amount of glucose produced and released by the liver, and slowing gastric emptying.
Choice D rationale
There are precautions about taking exenatide with other medications. For example, exenatide may affect the absorption of some orally administered drugs due to its effect on gastric emptying. Therefore, patients should be advised to take oral medications that require rapid absorption at least 1 hour before injecting exenatide.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Observing for signs of depression is the most important intervention for the nurse to include in the client’s plan of care. This patient has a history of struggling with weight management, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, and is now approved for gastroplasty. Weight management surgery can have significant psychological implications, and patients may experience depression or other emotional issues. Identifying signs of depression and providing appropriate support and resources is crucial for the client’s overall well-being and successful outcomes.
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