The emergency department nurse reviews the medical record of a 41-year-old male patient with hemorrhagic shock, which contains the following information.
Physical Assessment Findings Pulse 140 beats/min and thready
Diagnostic Findings ABG respiratory acidosis
Blood pressure 60/40 mm Hg Respirations 40/min and shallow
Lactate level 7 mmol/L
All of these provider prescriptions are ordered for the patient. Which does the nurse carry out first?
Give Plasmanate 1 unit now.
Prepare for endotracheal intubation.
Give normal saline solution 250 mL/hr.
Type and crossmatch for 4 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs).
The Correct Answer is C
Hemorrhagic shock is characterized by severe blood loss, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and hypovolemia. The primary goal in the initial management of hemorrhagic shock is to restore intravascular volume and improve tissue perfusion. Administering intravenous fluids, such as normal saline solution, is a critical intervention to address hypovolemia and improve blood pressure.
A. Give Plasmanate 1 unit now in (option A) is incorrect because: Plasmanate is a plasma-derived product used to replace coagulation factors. While it may be necessary to address coagulation abnormalities, administering intravenous fluids to restore volume takes priority over specific blood products.
B. Prepare for endotracheal intubation in (option B) is incorrect because Endotracheal intubation may be required in cases of impending respiratory failure or compromised airway, but it should not be the first action in addressing hypovolemic shock.
D. Type and crossmatch for 4 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) in (option D) is incorrect because transferring packed red blood cells is an important intervention to address blood loss and improve oxygen-carrying capacity. However, before administering blood products, it is crucial to stabilize the patient's hemodynamics through fluid resuscitation.
Therefore, in a patient with hemorrhagic shock, the nurse's first priority among the given options is to give normal saline solution of 250 mL/hr to restore intravascular volume and improve tissue perfusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Shock is a state of inadequate tissue perfusion, resulting in compromised oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells and impaired cellular metabolism. Regardless of the specific cause or type of shock (e.g., hypovolemic, cardiogenic, distributive), the underlying problem is the failure to supply sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues. This inadequate tissue perfusion can lead to cellular dysfunction, organ failure, and ultimately, life-threatening consequences.
A. Inefficient metabolism resulting from inadequate nutrition in (option A) is incorrect because While inadequate nutrition can contribute to the overall health status and resilience of an individual, it is not the central mechanism underlying all shock states.
C. Vasoconstriction and reflexive vasodilation due to circulating mediators in (option C) is incorrect because Vasoconstriction and vasodilation are physiological responses that can occur in various types of shock, but they are not the fundamental common denominator. Inadequate tissue perfusion remains the core issue.
D. Hypovolemia resulting from blood loss in (option D) is incorrect because Hypovolemia, which refers to decreased blood volume, is one potential cause of shock, specifically hypovolemic shock. However, other types of shock, such as cardiogenic or distributive shock, may not be primarily characterized by hypovolemia.
Therefore, the common denominator of all shock states is inadequate tissue perfusion, resulting in impaired cellular metabolism.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The patient's symptoms of fever and elevated white blood cell count suggest a potential infection and sepsis. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be initiated promptly to cover a wide range of possible pathogens until further diagnostic tests and identification of the specific causative agent are obtained. Early administration of appropriate antibiotics is crucial in sepsis management to target the suspected infection and improve patient outcomes.
A. Cooling baths in (option A) is incorrect because: Cooling baths are typically used in the management of hyperthermia or specific conditions like heatstroke. While the patient has an elevated temperature, it is likely due to the systemic inflammatory response rather than solely hyperthermia.
C. Blood transfusion in (option C) is incorrect because Blood transfusion may be required in certain cases of sepsis if there is evidence of significant anemia or active bleeding. However, based on the information provided, there is no immediate indication of a blood transfusion.
D. NPO status in (option D) is incorrect because NPO status (nothing by mouth) is a general precautionary measure used in various situations, such as prior to surgery or to manage gastrointestinal complications. It is not a specific intervention in the sepsis resuscitation bundle.
Therefore, the nurse should initiate the intervention of administering broad-spectrum antibiotics in this scenario.
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