The medical-surgical nurse is caring for a 55-year-old female patient after surgery. The patient's respiratory rate has increased from 12 to 22 breaths/min, and the pulse rate has increased from 86 to 110 beats/min since the patient was last assessed 4 hours ago. What action by the nurse is best?
Assess the patient's tissue perfusion further.
Ask if the patient needs pain medication.
Document the findings in the patient's chart.
Increase the rate of the patient's IV infusion.
The Correct Answer is A
The increased respiratory rate and pulse rate can be indicators of physiological changes or potential complications in the patient's condition. These changes may suggest alterations in tissue perfusion or other underlying issues that require further assessment.
Assessing the patient's tissue perfusion includes evaluating additional vital signs, such as blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and capillary refill time. Assessing skin color, temperature, and moisture, as well as peripheral pulses, can also provide important information regarding tissue perfusion.
B. Pain medication (option B) is incorrect because the increased respiratory and pulse rates could also indicate other factors that require assessment before administering pain medication.
C. Documenting the findings in the patient's chart (option C) is incorrect because it should not be the primary action at this point. Assessing the patient's condition and determining appropriate interventions take priority.
D. Increasing the rate of the patient's IV infusion (option D) is incorrect because may not be the most appropriate action without further assessment. The patient's increased respiratory and pulse rates may not necessarily be related to hydration status, and it is important to assess the patient comprehensively before making changes to the IV infusion rate.
Therefore, the best action by the nurse in this situation is to further assess the patient's tissue perfusion to gather more information and determine the appropriate course of action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The sepsis resuscitation bundle typically includes the administration of intravenous fluids to restore adequate perfusion and address hypovolemia. The initial fluid of choice is often the crystalloid solution, such as Lactated Ringers (LR), and the recommended initial fluid bolus is 30 ml/kg. This intervention aims to optimize intravascular volume and improve tissue perfusion.
A. Cooling baths in (option A) is incorrect because they may be used in the management of hyperthermia or fever, but they are not specific interventions in the sepsis resuscitation bundle.
B. Blood transfusion in (option B) is incorrect it may be necessary in certain cases of sepsis, such as severe anemia or hypovolemia, but it is not a routine intervention in the sepsis resuscitation bundle based solely on the provided information.
D. NPO status (nothing by mouth) in (option D) is incorrect because it is not a specific intervention in the sepsis resuscitation bundle. It may be indicated in certain cases, such as when surgery is required or if there is a risk of aspiration, but it does not directly address the sepsis-related variables mentioned.
It is important to note that the specific management of sepsis may vary based on the patient's individual condition, clinical presentation, and healthcare provider's orders.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Neurogenic shock is a type of distributive shock that occurs due to the loss of sympathetic nervous system tone after a spinal cord injury or other traumatic brain injuries. This loss of sympathetic tone leads to vasodilation and decreased systemic vascular resistance, resulting in inadequate perfusion to vital organs.
One of the hallmark signs of neurogenic shock is bradycardia (a heart rate less than 60 beats/min) due to the unopposed parasympathetic activity. The parasympathetic system becomes dominant when sympathetic activity is impaired. Therefore, a heart rate of 48 beats/min in this patient suggests the possibility of neurogenic shock.
A. Cool, clammy skin in (option A) is incorrect because Cool, clammy skin is a characteristic of hypovolemic shock, where reduced blood volume leads to vasoconstriction to redirect blood flow to vital organs.
B. BP of 82/40 mm Hg in (option B) is incorrect because: Hypotension is a common finding in both neurogenic shock and hypovolemic shock. A low blood pressure reading alone does not specifically indicate neurogenic shock.
D. Shortness of breath in (option D) is incorrect because Shortness of breath is not specific to neurogenic shock but can occur in various types of shock, including hypovolemic shock. It may result from inadequate oxygenation or impaired respiratory function due to the underlying condition or associated injuries.
Therefore, the heart rate of 48 beats/min suggests the possibility of neurogenic shock in addition to hypovolemic shock in this patient.
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