The nurse is caring for a newly admitted patient with sepsis and has received orders from the physician. What order should the nurse implement first?

Finger-stick glucose.

Blood cultures x2.

Tylenol 650 mg PO.

Vancomycin 760 mg IV.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Finger-stick glucose is important for monitoring blood sugar levels, especially in septic patients who may develop hyperglycemia. However, it is not the highest priority compared to obtaining blood cultures and administering antibiotics.

Choice B reason: Obtaining blood cultures x2 is the first priority in managing a patient with sepsis. Identifying the causative organism and determining antibiotic susceptibility is crucial for guiding effective treatment. Blood cultures should be obtained before administering antibiotics to ensure accurate results.

Choice C reason: Tylenol (acetaminophen) 650 mg PO may be given to reduce fever and provide comfort, but it is not the highest priority in the initial management of sepsis. Immediate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions are more critical.

Choice D reason: Vancomycin 760 mg IV is an important antibiotic for treating sepsis, especially if a resistant organism is suspected. However, it should be administered after blood cultures are obtained to avoid contaminating the cultures and ensuring accurate identification of the causative organism.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Monitoring intake and output is important in managing cirrhosis and ascites, as it helps track fluid balance and detect early signs of fluid retention. However, this action alone does not directly decrease the presence of ascites. It is more of a monitoring tool than an intervention that reduces fluid accumulation.

Choice B reason: Providing a low-sodium diet is a key intervention to decrease the presence of ascites in patients with cirrhosis. Sodium restriction helps prevent fluid retention by reducing the amount of sodium in the bloodstream, which in turn decreases the osmotic pressure that draws fluid into the abdominal cavity. This dietary modification is fundamental in the management of ascites.

Choice C reason: Increasing oral fluid intake is not an appropriate action for decreasing the presence of ascites in patients with cirrhosis. Excessive fluid intake can exacerbate fluid retention and worsen ascites. Instead, fluid intake may need to be restricted depending on the patient's condition and electrolyte balance.

Choice D reason: Weighing the patient daily is a useful tool for monitoring fluid status and detecting changes in ascites. However, similar to monitoring intake and output, this action does not directly decrease the presence of ascites. It serves as a means to track the effectiveness of other interventions, such as sodium restriction and medication.

A. "Blood clots form more easily in mechanical replacement valves." B. "The vein taken from your leg reduces circulation in the leg." C. "The valve replacement surgery left a lot of small clots in your heart and lungs." D. "The mechanical valve places you at greater risk for a heart attack."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Blood clots form more easily in mechanical replacement valves due to the artificial surface of the valve, which can cause the blood to clot more readily. This increases the risk of thromboembolic events, such as stroke or valve obstruction. Therefore, patients with mechanical valves need to take anticoagulants for life to prevent clot formation and ensure the valve functions effectively.

Choice B reason: The statement that the vein taken from the leg reduces circulation in the leg is incorrect in this context. Vein grafts from the leg are typically used in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, not in valve replacement surgery. Therefore, this explanation does not apply to the patient's situation of needing anticoagulants after valve replacement surgery.

Choice C reason: The idea that the valve replacement surgery left a lot of small clots in the heart and lungs is not accurate. The surgery itself does not leave clots; rather, the ongoing risk of clot formation is due to the presence of the mechanical valve. This risk necessitates lifelong anticoagulation.

Choice D reason: The mechanical valve does not place the patient at a greater risk for a heart attack specifically. The concern with mechanical valves is the increased risk of blood clot formation, which is why anticoagulants are prescribed. Heart attacks are typically caused by blockages in the coronary arteries, which is a different issue.

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The nurse is caring for a newly admitted patient with sepsis and has received orders from the physician. What order should the nurse implement first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse cares for a patient who has cirrhosis of the liver. What action would the nurse take to decrease the presence of ascites?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse cares for a patient recovering from mechanical valve replacement surgery. The patient asks, "Why will I need to take anticoagulants for the rest of my life?" What is the best response by the nurse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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