A patient with septic shock has a BP of 70/46 mm Hg. pulse of 136 beats/min, respirations of 32 breaths/min, temperature of 104" F, and blood glucose of 246 mg/dL. Which intervention ordered by the health care provider should the nurse implement first?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg rectally.

Start insulin drip to maintain blood glucose at 110 to 150 mg/dl.

Administer normal saline IV at 500 mL/hr.

Start norepinephrine to keep blood pressure above 90 mm Hg.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

C. The first intervention should be to administer normal saline IV at 500 mL/hr to address the immediate concern of hypotension and inadequate tissue perfusion.

A. While fever control is important, especially in septic shock, administering acetaminophen should not be the first intervention in a patient with severe hypotension and shock. Addressing the low blood pressure and perfusion is a higher priority.

B. Hyperglycemia is common in critically ill patients, including those with septic shock. However, in this scenario, the patient's severely low blood pressure and signs of shock take precedence over managing hyperglycemia. Insulin therapy can be initiated later once the patient's hemodynamic status is stabilized.

D. Norepinephrine is a vasopressor medication commonly used in septic shock to increase blood pressure and improve perfusion to vital organs. It helps counteract the vasodilation and hypotension characteristic of septic shock.

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Correct Answer is ["B","C"]

Explanation

B. stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each contraction (systole) of the heart. Changes in stroke volume directly affect cardiac output. An increase in stroke volume leads to an increase in cardiac output, while a decrease in stroke volume results in a decrease in cardiac output. Factors that can affect stroke volume include preload, afterload, and contractility of the heart.

C. Heart rate refers to the number of heartbeats per minute. Heart rate directly affects cardiac output by determining how frequently the heart contracts and pumps blood. An increase in heart rate (tachycardia) leads to an increase in cardiac output, while a decrease in heart rate (bradycardia) results in a decrease in cardiac output. Factors such as sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity, hormones, and medications can influence heart rate.

A. Respiratory rate does not directly affect stroke volume or heart rate but changes in respiratory rate can indirectly impact cardiac output through their effects on venous return and preload.

D. Blood pressure represents the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries. While blood pressure does not directly affect cardiac output, it is influenced by cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance (SVR).

A. Remove clothing for a thorough assessment. B. Determine effectiveness of ventilator efforts. C. Open the airway using a jaw-thrust maneuver. D. Establish IV access. E. Perform a Glasgow Coma Scale assessment.

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

Explanation

First, the nurse should open the airway using a jaw-thrust maneuver (C) to ensure it is not obstructed. Next, they should determine the effectiveness of ventilatory efforts (B), as breathing is critical and any compromise must be addressed immediately. Following this, establishing IV access (D) is important for fluid resuscitation and medication administration. The nurse should then perform a Glasgow Coma Scale assessment (E) to determine the level of consciousness and neurological function. Lastly, removing clothing for a thorough assessment (A) is essential, but only after the critical steps concerning airway, breathing, circulation, and disability have been addressed.

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A patient with septic shock has a BP of 70/46 mm Hg. pulse of 136 beats/min, respirations of 32 breaths/min, temperature of 104" F, and blood glucose of 246 mg/dL. Which intervention ordered by the health care provider should the nurse implement first?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following factors can directly affect cardiac output?

Correct Answer is ["B","C"]

Explanation

A nurse is conducting a primary survey of a client who has sustained life-threatening injuries due to a motor-vehicle crash. Identify the sequence of actions the nurse should take. (Move the actions into the box on the right, placing them in the selected order of performance. Use all the steps.)

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

Explanation

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