When caring for a patient weighing 60 kg who has just been admitted with septic shock, which of these assessment data greatest concern to the nurse?

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe infection, systemic inflammation, and inadequate tissue perfusion. In this critical situation, one of the initial priorities is to restore intravascular volume and improve tissue perfusion. Initiation of an intravenous line allows for the administration of fluids and other necessary medications to support the patient's hemodynamic stability.
While the other interventions mentioned are also important components of septic shock management, the immediate priority is to address hypotension and tissue hypoperfusion through fluid resuscitation:
A. Obtaining wound and blood cultures in (option A) is incorrect because: Cultures are important to identify the source and causative organisms of the infection. However, fluid resuscitation should take priority over obtaining cultures, as it is necessary to stabilize the patient's hemodynamics.
B. Removing or controlling potentially infected sources in (option B) is incorrect because: Identifying and controlling the source of infection is crucial in septic shock management to prevent further progression. However, initiating fluid resuscitation is more time-sensitive and should be prioritized.
D. Drawing blood for hematology and chemistry studies in (option D) is incorrect because Laboratory studies are important for evaluating organ function and guiding treatment. However, the immediate focus should be on fluid resuscitation to address the underlying hypoperfusion and stabilize the patient's condition.
Therefore, the intervention considered a priority when treating a patient who presents with septic shock is the initiation of an intravenous line and fluid administration to restore intravascular volume and improve tissue perfusion.

1. Doseinmcg/min=2mcg/kg/min×60kg=120mcg/min

   Convert this to mg/min since the concentration is in mg:

   120mcg/min=0.12mg/min120 \text{ mcg/min} = 0.12 \text{ mg/min}120mcg/min=0.12mg/min

2. Determine the concentration of Dopamine:

   • Total amount of Dopamine: 200 mg in 250 mL of saline
   • Concentration:

   Concentration=200mg250mL=0.8mg/mL\text{Concentration} = \frac{200 \text{ mg}}{250 \text{ mL}} = 0.8 \text{ mg/mL}Concentration=250mL200mg​=0.8mg/mL

3. Calculate the pump rate in mL/min:

   To find the rate in mL/min needed to deliver 0.12 mg/min:

   Pumprate=Desireddose(mg/min)Concentration(mg/mL)\text{Pump rate} = \frac{\text{Desired dose (mg/min)}}{\text{Concentration (mg/mL)}}Pumprate=Concentration(mg/mL)Desireddose(mg/min)​

   Pumprate=0.12mg/min0.8mg/mL=0.15mL/min\text{Pump rate} = \frac{0.12 \text{ mg/min}}{0.8 \text{ mg/mL}} = 0.15 \text{ mL/min}Pumprate=0.8mg/mL0.12mg/min​=0.15mL/min

4. Convert the pump rate to mL/hour:

   Multiply by 60 to convert from mL/min to mL/hour:

   Pumprate=0.15mL/min×60min/hour=9mL/hour\text{Pump rate} = 0.15 \text{ mL/min} \times 60 \text{ min/hour} = 9 \text{ mL/hour}Pumprate=0.15mL/min×60min/hour=9mL/hour

So, you should set the pump to deliver Dopamine at a rate of 9 mL/hour.