How does the emergency department nurse caring for a critically ill with septic shock recognize that severe tissue hypoxia is present?
Partial thromboplastin time 64 seconds
Lactate 9.0 mmol/L
Potassium 2.8 mEq/L (2.8 mmol/L)
PaCO2 58 mm Hg
The Correct Answer is B
Lactate is a by-product of anaerobic metabolism that accumulates when there is insufficient oxygen supply to meet cellular metabolic demands. In the context of severe tissue hypoxia, such as in septic shock, the body may resort to anaerobic metabolism, leading to increased lactate production and elevated lactate levels in the blood.
Elevated lactate levels, typically above 4.0 mmol/L, are indicative of tissue hypoxia and inadequate oxygenation at the cellular level. Higher lactate levels, such as 9.0 mmol/L, suggest more severe tissue hypoxia and increased anaerobic metabolism.
A. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) 64 seconds in (option A) is incorrect because: PTT is a laboratory test that evaluates the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade. While coagulation abnormalities may occur in septic shock, PTT alone does not specifically indicate severe tissue hypoxia.
C. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L (2.8 mmol/L) (option C) is incorrect because Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can be a concern in septic shock, but it does not directly indicate severe tissue hypoxia.
D. PaCO2 58 mm Hg in (option D) is incorrect because: PaCO2 refers to the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood and is a measure of the respiratory status. While an elevated PaCO2 can be a sign of respiratory acidosis, it is not specific to severe tissue hypoxia.
Therefore, in a critically ill patient with septic shock, an elevated lactate level, such as 9.0 mmol/L, indicates severe tissue hypoxia and inadequate oxygenation at the cellular level
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["9000"]
Explanation
4 mL × body weight in kg × percentage of burn = total fluid volume for the first 24 hours Then, divide the total fluid volume by 2 to determine the fluid volume for the first 8 hours.
In this case, the patient weighs 90 kg and has a 50% burn injury.
4 mL × 90 kg × 50% = 18,000 mL (total fluid volume for 24 hours)
18,000 mL / 2 = 9,000 mL (fluid volume for the first 8 hours)
Therefore, the nurse would infuse the intravenous fluid resuscitation at a rate of 9,000 mL over the first 8 hours.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Norepinephrine is a vasopressor medication commonly used in the management of septic shock. It acts as a potent vasoconstrictor to increase systemic vascular resistance and improve blood pressure. By constricting blood vessels, norepinephrine helps restore tissue perfusion and improve organ function.
A. Nitroglycerine (Tridil) in (option A) is incorrect because: Nitroglycerine is a vasodilator and would further lower blood pressure. It is not suitable for a patient with septic shock who already has low blood pressure.
B. Atenolol (Tenormin) in (option B) is incorrect because: Atenolol is a beta-blocker and would further decrease heart rate and blood pressure. It is not appropriate for a patient in septic shock who requires intervention to increase blood pressure.
C. Dobutamine (Dobutrex) in (option C) is incorrect because: Dobutamine is an inotropic medication used to increase cardiac output. While it can be helpful in certain types of shock, such as cardiogenic shock, it is not the first-line choice for septic shock when there is inadequate blood pressure response.
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