The nurse is caring for a client who develops signs and symptoms of septic shock following a urinary tract infection one week ago. The healthcare provider prescribes a sepsis protocol to be initiated. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care?

Monitor blood glucose level.

Maintain strict intake and output.

Assess warmth of extremities.

Keep head of bed raised 45 degrees.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Rationale

A. Monitoring blood glucose levels is important, especially in critically ill patients, as hyperglycemia can worsen outcomes in septic shock. However, it is not the most critical intervention in the immediate management of septic shock.

B. Monitoring intake and output (I/O) is essential for assessing fluid balance, which is crucial in managing septic shock. Maintaining a strict I/O helps in determining fluid resuscitation needs and evaluating response to treatment. This intervention is important but may not be the most critical initially.

C. Assessing warmth of extremities is important as it helps in evaluating peripheral perfusion, which can be compromised in septic shock. Cold extremities can indicate poor tissue perfusion and may prompt the need for interventions such as fluid resuscitation.

D. Keeping the head of the bed elevated to 45 degrees is a specific intervention aimed at improving oxygenation and respiratory function, particularly in patients who may be mechanically ventilated or at risk of respiratory compromise. While this is an important intervention, it is not directly related to managing septic shock itself.

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Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"D"}

Explanation

After listening to the client's symptoms, the nurse realizes that she likely has acute stress disorderrelated to traumatic stress

Acute Stress Disorder: This diagnosis fits because the client is experiencing significant distress and anxiety related to the traumatic event (her house collapsing during a hurricane). Acute stress disorder is characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors following exposure to a traumatic event. The client's symptoms of persistent thoughts about the event, difficulty sleeping due to these thoughts, and feeling unable to return to her previous emotional state ("funk") are indicative of acute stress disorder.

Traumatic Stress: This describes the source of the client's symptoms. The collapse of her house during a hurricane is a traumatic event that has triggered her acute stress disorder symptoms. Traumatic stress refers to the psychological and emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event.

A. Raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees keeping head and neck in neutral alignment. B. Maintain elevated positioning of the dependent joints on affected side. C. Obtain a focused history to determine recent bleeding and use of anticoagulants. D. Initiate bilateral intermittent sequential pneumatic compression devices

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale

A. This action helps maintain adequate cerebral perfusion pressure and venous drainage, which is important in suspected stroke cases. It supports optimal cerebral blood flow and reduces the risk of increased intracranial pressure. However, it's not the immediate intervention required for this client. The primary focus initially is on diagnostic evaluation and stabilization.

B. Elevating the joints on the affected side can help reduce dependent edema and promote circulation. This intervention is part of ongoing nursing care to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in stroke patients who may have reduced mobility. While important, it is not the immediate priority in the acute phase of management.

C. Gathering a focused history is crucial to understanding potential causes or exacerbating factors contributing to the client's symptoms While important, it is not the immediate priority in the acute phase of management.

D. Intermittent pneumatic compression devices (IPC) are used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by enhancing venous return and preventing stasis in the lower extremities. While DVT prevention is important in stroke patients, it is not the immediate intervention required for the client's acute neurological symptoms.

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The nurse is caring for a client who develops signs and symptoms of septic shock following a urinary tract infection one week ago. The healthcare provider prescribes a sepsis protocol to be initiated. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exhibits Select from the options to complete the sentence. After listening to the client's symptoms, the nurse realizes that she likely has dropdown related to dropdown

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"D"}

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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