What typical sign/symptom indicates the early stage of septic shock?
Tachypnoea and tachycardia
Pallor and cool skin
Blood pressure 84/50 mm Hg
Respiratory acidosis
The Correct Answer is A
In the early stage of septic shock, the body initiates compensatory mechanisms to combat the infection and restore adequate tissue perfusion. Tachypnoea (rapid breathing) and tachycardia (elevated heart rate) are common early signs of septic shock.
Tachypnoea occurs as a response to increased metabolic demand and to compensate for impaired oxygenation and tissue perfusion. Tachycardia is the body's attempt to maintain cardiac output and compensate for decreased blood pressure.
B. Pallor and cool skin in (option B) is incorrect because Pallor and cool skin can occur in later stages of septic shock when perfusion to the peripheral tissues is compromised. However, they are not specific to the early stage.
C. Blood pressure 84/50 mm Hg in (option C) is incorrect because A blood pressure reading of 84/50 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which is typically seen in later stages of septic shock. In the early stage, blood pressure may still be within normal or slightly decreased range.
D. Respiratory acidosis in (optionD) is incorrect because: Respiratory acidosis refers to an imbalance in acid-base status and is not specific to the early stage of septic shock. Acid-base disturbances may occur at any stage of shock but are not indicative of the early stage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition resulting from severe blood or fluid loss. The patient in this scenario exhibits signs of hypovolemic shock, such as low blood pressure, tachycardia, cool and clammy skin, and decreased urine output.
When assessing the prescription options, the nurse should consider the appropriateness of each intervention for hypovolemic shock. Plasmanate is a type of plasma protein fraction that is used for volume expansion in certain situations. However, in hypovolemic shock, the primary intervention is to restore intravascular volume promptly. Plasmanate alone may not be sufficient for rapid-volume resuscitation.
In hypovolemic shock, the initial management typically involves the administration of crystalloid solutions, such as Lactated Ringers or Normal Saline, to restore intravascular volume. Therefore, the prescription of Plasmanate as the primary intervention raises concerns and should be questioned by the nurse.
A. Dopamine (Intropin) 12 mcg/min in (option A) is incorrect because: Dopamine is a vasopressor medication used to increase blood pressure and cardiac output. It is a suitable option for hypovolemic shock to support blood pressure and tissue perfusion.
B. Dobutamine (Dobutrex) 5 mcg/kg/min in (option B) is incorrect because: Dobutamine is an inotropic medication that helps improve cardiac contractility and cardiac output. It can be beneficial in cases of hypovolemic shock with signs of poor cardiac function.
D. Bumetanide (Bumex) 1 mg IV in (option D) is incorrect because: Bumetanide is a loop diuretic used to promote diuresis. However, in the context of hypovolemic shock, diuretics are generally not the first-line treatment as they can further reduce intravascular volume and worsen the patient's condition.
It is essential for the nurse to consult with the healthcare provider regarding the prescription order of Plasmanate and consider alternative interventions for rapid volume resuscitation in hypovolemic shock.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today