An older patient who had knee replacement surgery 2 days ago can only tolerate being out of bed with physical therapy once a day. Which problem should the nurse identify as a priority for this patient?

The patient's vital signs indicate signs of septic shock, including low blood pressure (70/46 mm Hg), tachycardia (136 beats/min), and tachypnea (32 breaths/min). The patient also has a high temperature of 104°F, indicating a fever. These findings suggest a systemic response to an infection that is leading to inadequate tissue perfusion.The initial treatment for septic shock includes fluid resuscitation to improve blood pressure and tissue perfusion. A fluid bolus of 0.9% Sodium Chloride (normal saline) is commonly used to restore intravascular volume in septic shock. It helps to increase blood pressure, improve organ perfusion, and stabilize the patient's condition.

The other interventions, such as administering Pantoprazole (Protonix) for gastrointestinal protection, giving Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever control, or administering rapid-acting insulin per sliding scale for hyperglycemia, are important aspects of care but should be implemented after the initial fluid resuscitation. The priority at this moment is to address the patient's hypotension and inadequate tissue perfusion through the administration of fluid bolus.

Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia that occurs due to a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in the digestive system. As a result, patients with pernicious anemia are unable to absorb sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 from dietary sources. The treatment for pernicious anemia involves regular administration of cobalamin (B12) injections to bypass the impaired absorption and provide the necessary vitamin B12 directly.

Oral ferrous sulfate tablets are not the appropriate treatment for pernicious anemia. Ferrous sulfate is a form of iron supplement used to treat iron deficiency anemia, which is different from pernicious anemia.

Iron dextran infusions are also not indicated for pernicious anemia. Iron dextran is used for iron replacement therapy in cases of iron deficiency anemia, but it does not address the underlying issue of vitamin B12 deficiency in pernicious anemia.

Routine blood transfusions may be necessary in some cases of pernicious anemia, especially if the patient is severely anemic. However, the primary treatment for pernicious anemia is cobalamin (B12) injections, which provide the necessary vitamin B12 that the patient is unable to absorb.