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
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Heart rate: 72 beats per minute Stroke volume: 90 mL/contraction
Cardiac output = Heart rate × Stroke volume
Cardiac output = 72 beats/minute × 90 mL/contraction
To simplify the calculation, you can convert the units:
72 beats/minute × 90 mL/contraction = (72 × 90) beats/minute × mL/contraction
Now, perform the multiplication:
72 × 90 = 6,480
Therefore, the cardiac output is 6,480 mL per minute.
The correct answer is:
C. 6,480 mL
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is a blood product that contains various clotting factors, including factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XIII. These clotting factors are essential for the normal coagulation process. In patients with shock, coagulation abnormalities can occur, and administration of FFP can help replenish the deficient clotting factors and restore proper coagulation function.
The other options mentioned are not the primary components replaced by fresh frozen plasma:
A. Red blood cells are in (option A) is incorrect because Red blood cells carry oxygen and are typically replaced by packed red blood cell transfusions in cases of significant blood loss or anemia. Fresh frozen plasma does not contain a significant amount of red blood cells.
C. Platelets in (option C) is incorrect because: Platelets play a role in blood clotting and are typically replaced by platelet transfusions in cases of thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction. Fresh frozen plasma may contain a small number of platelets but is not the primary source for platelet replacement.
D. White blood cells in (option D) is incorrect because White blood cells are part of the immune system and are not typically replaced using fresh frozen plasma. Fresh frozen plasma does not contain a significant amount of white blood cells.
Therefore, fresh frozen plasma is primarily administered to patients in shock to replace clotting factors and help restore proper coagulation function.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.