In a patient with septic shock, which complication will the nurse remain alert for?

Neurogenic shock.

Febrile seizures.

Esophageal varices.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Neurogenic shock is a type of distributive shock that occurs due to a sudden loss of sympathetic nervous system signals to the smooth muscle in vessel walls. It is not a direct complication of septic shock, which is primarily caused by severe infection and systemic inflammation. While both are forms of shock, the mechanisms and causes are different.

Choice B reason: Febrile seizures are typically seen in children with high fevers and are not a common complication of septic shock in adults. Septic shock involves severe infection and systemic inflammatory response, leading to complications such as organ failure rather than febrile seizures.

Choice C reason: Esophageal varices are enlarged veins in the esophagus that can bleed, often seen in patients with liver disease and portal hypertension. They are not a complication of septic shock. While severe infection and systemic inflammation can lead to various complications, esophageal varices are specifically related to liver pathology.

Choice D reason: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe complication that the nurse should remain alert for in patients with septic shock. ARDS is characterized by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs, leading to respiratory failure. It is a common and serious complication of septic shock due to the systemic inflammatory response affecting the lung tissue. Early recognition and management are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Keeping the head of the bed elevated at least 30 degrees is crucial in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Elevating the head of the bed reduces the risk of aspiration of gastric contents and oral secretions into the lungs, which can lead to infection. This positioning helps improve lung expansion and facilitates drainage, thereby decreasing the likelihood of VAP.

Choice B reason: Administering ordered antibiotics as scheduled is important for treating existing infections but is not a primary preventive measure for ventilator-associated pneumonia. While antibiotics play a role in managing infections, the focus here is on preventive strategies. Overreliance on antibiotics can also lead to antibiotic resistance, making infection control more challenging.

Choice C reason: Hyperoxygenating the patient before suctioning is a standard practice to prevent hypoxia during the procedure, but it is not directly related to preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia. While hyperoxygenation helps maintain adequate oxygen levels, it does not address the specific risk factors associated with the development of VAP.

Choice D reason: Suctioning the airway every 2 hours may be necessary for some patients to maintain airway patency and remove secretions. However, routine suctioning at fixed intervals is not always appropriate and can increase the risk of trauma to the airway and infection. Suctioning should be performed based on clinical assessment and the patient's needs rather than a fixed schedule to prevent complications and potential infections.

A. Amylase and lipase. B. Hematocrit and hemoglobin. C. Red blood cell count. D. Serum uric acid.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Monitoring amylase and lipase levels is the best way to determine the effectiveness of treatment in a patient with pancreatitis. These enzymes are produced by the pancreas, and their levels in the blood increase significantly during an episode of pancreatitis. As treatment progresses and the inflammation of the pancreas decreases, the levels of these enzymes should return to normal. Therefore, checking the levels of amylase and lipase is a direct indicator of the patient's response to treatment.

Choice B reason: Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels are important for assessing overall blood volume and oxygen-carrying capacity, but they are not specific indicators of pancreatitis treatment effectiveness. While these levels can provide information about the patient's general health and hydration status, they do not specifically reflect changes in pancreatic inflammation.

Choice C reason: Red blood cell count is another measure of the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity and overall health, but like hematocrit and hemoglobin, it is not specific to pancreatitis. Changes in red blood cell count can occur due to various factors, but they do not provide direct information about the effectiveness of pancreatitis treatment.

Choice D reason: Serum uric acid levels are typically monitored in conditions such as gout or kidney stones, and they are not related to pancreatitis. Monitoring serum uric acid would not provide useful information about the patient's response to pancreatitis treatment.

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In a patient with septic shock, which complication will the nurse remain alert for?

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

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