A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has been admitted to the PICU with a diagnosis of septic shock. The nurse notes the following :
When planning care for this client, the nurse should anticipate a provider's prescription for which of the following?
Broad-spectrum antibiotics and fluid boluses
Antipyretics and oxygen therapy
Vasopressors and blood transfusions
Corticosteroids and antihistamines
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are indicated for septic shock caused by bacterial infection, as they can target a wide range of pathogens and prevent further sepsis. Fluid boluses are also essential to restore the intravascular volume and improve tissue perfusion and oxygenation.

Choice B reason: Antipyretics and oxygen therapy are not sufficient to treat septic shock, as they do not address the underlying infection or the hypovolemia. Antipyretics may lower the temperature, but they do not eliminate the bacteria. Oxygen therapy may improve the pulse oximeter reading, but it does not correct the hypoperfusion.
Choice C reason: Vasopressors and blood transfusions are not the first-line treatments for septic shock, as they may have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and the coagulation cascade. Vasopressors may increase the blood pressure, but they may also cause vasoconstriction and reduce the blood flow to vital organs. Blood transfusions may increase the hemoglobin level, but they may also increase the risk of fluid overload, hemolysis, and transfusion reactions.
Choice D reason: Corticosteroids and antihistamines are not indicated for septic shock, as they do not have any proven benefits and may have harmful effects on the immune system and the inflammatory response. Corticosteroids may suppress the adrenal function and increase the risk of infection. Antihistamines may cause sedation and dryness of the mucous membranes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Holding the infant's chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure is not a correct action for the nurse to take. This position may cause spinal cord compression or respiratory distress in the infant. The nurse should position the infant on his side with his back arched and his head and knees flexed.
Choice B reason: Placing the infant in an infant seat for 2 hr following the procedure is not a correct action for the nurse to take. This position may increase the intracranial pressure and cause headaches or vomiting in the infant. The nurse should keep the infant flat or slightly elevated for 4 to 6 hr after the procedure.
Choice C reason: Keeping the infant NPO for 6 hr prior to the procedure is not a correct action for the nurse to take. This may cause dehydration or hypoglycemia in the infant. The nurse should follow the provider's orders for fasting, which are usually 2 to 4 hr for clear liquids and 4 to 6 hr for solids.
Choice D reason: Applying a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine cream topically 15 min prior to the procedure is a correct action for the nurse to take. This is a topical anesthetic that can reduce the pain and discomfort of the needle insertion. The nurse should apply the cream to the lower back and cover it with an occlusive dressing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Leukemia is not a probable condition, as it is a cancer of the white blood cells that causes abnormal proliferation and accumulation of immature or dysfunctional white blood cells. The child has a high WBC count, which can indicate leukemia, but not necessarily. The child does not have other signs of leukemia, such as bleeding, bruising, bone pain, or lymphadenopathy.
Choice B reason: Sickle cell anemia is a possible condition, as it is an inherited disorder that affects the shape and function of the red blood cells, causing them to become sickle-shaped and rigid. The child has a low Hgb and Hct, which can indicate anemia, and a fever, tachycardia, and low oxygen saturation, which can indicate a sickle cell crisis. A sickle cell crisis is a condition where the sickle-shaped red blood cells block the blood flow and cause tissue ischemia and inflammation.
Choice C reason: Hemophilia is not a likely condition, as it is an inherited disorder that affects the clotting factors, causing impaired blood clotting and increased risk of bleeding. The child has a low Hgb and Hct, which can indicate anemia, but not necessarily hemophilia. The child does not have other signs of hemophilia, such as bleeding, bruising, hemarthrosis, or hematuria.
Choice D reason: Iron deficiency anemia is not a definite condition, as it is a type of anemia that occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. The child has a low Hgb and Hct, which can indicate iron deficiency anemia, but not necessarily. The child does not have other signs of iron deficiency anemia, such as pallor, fatigue, weakness, or pica.
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