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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale
A. Aspirin is commonly used in the emergency setting for chest pain suspected to be due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which includes conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack). It works by reducing blood clotting and can help alleviate symptoms in some cases. It is typically safe to administer aspirin
B. Sildenafil can interact with nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, and result in a significant drop in blood pressure. Therefore, the nurse should withhold nitroglycerin to prevent potential adverse effects.
C. Morphine is a potent opioid pain medication used in the emergency department for severe pain relief, including chest pain associated with suspected myocardial infarction. It can help reduce pain and anxiety in acute coronary syndromes. It has no significant interaction with sildenafil.
D. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clotting. It is often administered in the hospital setting for various indications, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or in some cases of acute coronary syndromes.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E","F"]
Explanation
A. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine used primarily for anxiety disorders and can affect mental status, including cognition and level of alertness. Regular assessment helps monitor for any changes in mental status, such as drowsiness, confusion, or sedation, which are potential side effects of clonazepam.
B. This intervention helps maintain oral hygiene, which is important when a client is taking medications orally. Benzodiazepines like clonazepam can cause dry mouth as a side effect, which can contribute to oral hygiene issues such as increased risk of dental caries or oral infections.
C. Clonazepam itself does not directly affect calcium levels. Monitoring calcium levels is not a routine nursing intervention specifically related to clonazepam administration. This option is not appropriate in this context.
D. Clonazepam is not an opioid and does not directly interact with opioids in a way that would necessitate having an opioid agonist at the bedside. This option is not relevant for a client starting clonazepam.
E. Clonazepam can cause dizziness and impair coordination, especially when starting the medication or with dose changes. Assisting the client to the bathroom helps prevent falls and ensures safety, particularly if the client experiences dizziness or sedation.
F. Benzodiazepines like clonazepam can cause hypotension (low blood pressure), which may exacerbate upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). Screening involves checking blood pressure and heart rate in different positions (lying, sitting, standing) to detect orthostatic changes. This is important to prevent falls and other complications.
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