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 B
Explanation
A. Feeling hot and sweaty can occur during autonomic dysreflexia, but it is a symptom of the condition rather than a cause or risk factor.
B. Bladder distension is a common trigger for autonomic dysreflexia, a condition that occurs in individuals with spinal cord injuries at or above the T6 level, due to the excessive autonomic response to noxious stimuli such as a full bladder.
C. Elevated blood pressure is a sign of autonomic dysreflexia, but the risk factor to recognize is the underlying cause, such as bladder distension.
D. A severe headache is a symptom of autonomic dysreflexia, indicating the need for immediate action, but it is not a risk factor for developing the condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Assessing for upper extremity injuries is important, but it is not the highest priority in an unconscious client who is at risk for airway obstruction.
B. Suctioning saliva from the client's mouth is the highest priority because an unconscious client is at risk for airway obstruction due to the accumulation of saliva or other secretions. Maintaining a clear airway is essential to prevent aspiration and ensure adequate oxygenation.
C. Monitoring electrolyte levels is important in the overall management of a client with cerebral hemorrhage, but it is not the immediate priority compared to securing the airway.
D. Recording intake and output is necessary for fluid balance monitoring but is secondary to the immediate need to maintain a patent airway in an unconscious client.
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