What is the nurse's priority when caring for a patient in septic shock?
Maintaining strict bed rest
Administering pain medication
Monitoring vital signs frequently
Assisting with daily hygiene
The Correct Answer is C
A. Strict bed rest is not the priority; early mobility may be encouraged once the patient is stable.
B. Pain management is important but not the first priority in septic shock.
C. Monitoring vital signs frequently is the priority because it allows the nurse to detect changes in perfusion, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygenation status, which are critical for timely intervention in septic shock.
D. Assisting with hygiene is part of routine care but is not a priority during the acute management of septic shock.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Circulating blood volume is decreased – This is true specifically in hypovolemic shock, but it does not apply to all types of shock (e.g., septic or cardiogenic shock).
B. Cells lack an adequate blood supply and are deprived of oxygen and nutrients – This is the most accurate and comprehensive description of the pathophysiology of shock. Shock is defined as a state of cellular and tissue hypoperfusion, regardless of the underlying cause.
C. Hemorrhage occurs as a result of trauma – While hemorrhage can cause hypovolemic shock, it is not the universal cause of all types of shock.
D. Blood is shunted from vital organs to peripheral areas of the body – The opposite is true in shock: blood is typically shunted away from peripheral tissues to preserve perfusion to vital organs like the brain and heart.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decreased cardiac output with increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) does not typically occur in cardiogenic shock. In shock states, MAP tends to decrease.
B. Decreased cardiac output and decreased MAP are the hallmark pathophysiologic changes in cardiogenic shock following a myocardial infarction. The damaged myocardium cannot pump effectively, leading to poor perfusion and hypotension.
C. Increased cardiac output and increased afterload are not features of cardiogenic shock; in fact, cardiac output is decreased.
D. Increased cardiac output and increased MAP suggest improved perfusion, not the compromised state seen in cardiogenic shock.
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