An immunocompromised older adult has developed a urinary tract infection, and the healthcare team recognizes the need to prevent an exacerbation of the client's infection that could result in sepsis and septic shock. What action should the nurse perform to reduce the client's risk of septic shock?
Insert a new indwelling urinary catheter
Collect blood cultures
Initiate intravenous (IV) antibiotics
Obtain placement of an intravenous access for fluid administration
The Correct Answer is C
A. Inserting a new indwelling urinary catheter could introduce new pathogens and increase the risk of infection rather than reduce it. Indwelling catheters are a known risk factor for urinary tract infections and should be avoided if possible.
B. Collecting blood cultures is an important diagnostic step, especially if sepsis is suspected. However, this action alone does not directly reduce the risk of septic shock. It is a part of the process but not the most immediate intervention.
C. Initiating intravenous (IV) antibiotics is the most critical intervention to reduce the risk of septic shock. Prompt administration of antibiotics can help control the infection before it progresses to sepsis, making this the priority action.
D. Obtaining placement of an intravenous access for fluid administration is necessary for managing sepsis or septic shock, but the first step should be administering antibiotics to treat the infection causing the sepsis. Fluid administration supports blood pressure and circulation but does not directly address the underlying infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Restricting sodium intake is essential in managing ascites and edema in cirrhosis, but it does not directly reduce ammonia levels. Sodium restriction is more related to fluid management rather than ammonia reduction.
B. Administering vitamin K may be necessary for correcting coagulation issues in liver disease, but it does not address the elevated ammonia levels causing encephalopathy.
C. Reducing protein intake is crucial for decreasing ammonia production. In clients with hepatic encephalopathy, proteins are broken down into ammonia, which the impaired liver cannot detoxify effectively, leading to worsened symptoms. Therefore, reducing dietary protein can help lower ammonia levels.
D. Administering diuretics is used to manage fluid retention and ascites in cirrhosis, but it does not directly impact ammonia levels. Diuretics are not the primary intervention for hepatic encephalopathy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Absence of pulmonary and peripheral edema is not a primary goal of vasopressor therapy. The focus is on improving blood pressure and perfusion.
B. Vasopressor therapy aims to increase blood pressure, not reduce stroke volume or cardiac output.
C. Vasopressors are used to increase blood pressure, so reducing blood pressure is not an intended goal.
D. The primary goal of vasopressor therapy in septic shock is to maintain an adequate mean arterial pressure (MAP) to ensure adequate organ perfusion and prevent organ failure.
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