Which of the following interventions is considered a priority when treating a patient who presents with septic shock?

obtaining wound and blood

removing or controlling potentially infected sources

initiation of an intravenous line and fluid

drawing blood for hematology and chemistry studies

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse should listen over both lung fields to ensure that air entry is present bilaterally, indicating that the tube is correctly positioned in the trachea. This comes after observing chest movements.

B. Using an end-tidal CO2 monitor to check for placement in the trachea in (option B) is incorrect because End-tidal CO2 monitoring can provide confirmation of correct tube placement in the trachea by detecting exhaled CO2 levels. However, it requires additional equipment and setup, which may not be readily available at the bedside or immediately accessible.
C. Observing the chest for symmetrical movement with ventilation is the initial action after placing an endotracheal tube.
D. Obtaining a portable chest radiograph to check tube placement (option D) is incorrect because Chest radiographs are commonly used to confirm endotracheal tube placement, especially for long-term confirmation or if there are concerns about placement. However, obtaining a portable chest radiograph may involve delays and is not the initial action to be taken for immediate verification.
Therefore, the best initial action by the nurse to verify the correct placement of an endotracheal tube (ET) after insertion is to auscultate for the presence of bilateral breath sounds.

A. Administer hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef) 100 mg IV. B. Give PRN furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg IV. C. Increase normal saline infusion to 250 mL/hr. D. Titrate norepinephrine (Levophed) to keep systolic BP >90 mm Hg.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

In septic shock, one of the key goals of management is to restore and maintain adequate intravascular volume. However, in this case, the patient's urine output is low (30 mL/hr for the past 3 hours), suggesting inadequate renal perfusion and potential fluid overload.
Administering additional normal saline at an increased rate (250 mL/hr) without addressing the low urine output could potentially exacerbate fluid overload and further compromise the patient's condition.
A. Administer hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef) 100 mg IV in (option A) is incorrect because: Hydrocortisone is commonly used in septic shock to help stabilize blood pressure and modulate the inflammatory response.
B. Giving PRN furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg IV in (option B) is incorrect because Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can be administered as needed to address fluid overload or to increase urine output if there is evidence of volume overload.
D. Titrate norepinephrine (Levophed) to keep systolic BP >90 mm Hg in (option D) is incorrect because: Norepinephrine is a vasopressor commonly used in septic shock to increase systemic vascular resistance and maintain adequate blood pressure.

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Which of the following interventions is considered a priority when treating a patient who presents with septic shock?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

To verify the correct placement of an endotracheal tube (ET) after insertion, the best initial action by the nurse is to:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A 78-kg patient with septic shock has a urine output of 30 mL/hr for the past 3 hours. The pulse rate is 120/minute and the central venous pressure and pulmonary artery wed pressure are low. Which order by the health care provider will the nurse question?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

To determine the effectiveness of medications that a patient has received to reduce left ventricular afterload, which hemodynamic parameter will the nurse monitor?

A 48-year-old female patient with septic shock presents with a BP of 70/46, pulse 136, respirations 32, temperature 104.0° F, and blood glucose of 246 mg/dl. The following have been ordered. Which order will the nurse accomplish first?

The common denominator of all shock states is which one of the following?

A student is caring for a patient who suffered massive blood loss after trauma. How does the student correlate the blood loss with the patient's mean arterial pressure (MAP)?

The patient weighing 147 pounds with septic shock has a BP of 70/46 mm Hg, pulse 136, respirations 30, temperature 104° F, and blood glucose 391 mg/dL. Which intervention red by the health care provider should the nurse implement first?

A 30-year-old female patient is admitted to the emergency department with two systemic inflammatory response syndrome variables: temperature of 100.2°F (35°C) and high blood sugar. Which intervention from the sepsis resuscitation bundle does the nurse initiate?

A 40-year-old female patient with massive trauma and possible spinal cord injury is admitted to the emergency department (ED). The nurse suspects that the patient may be experiencing neurogenic shock in addition to hypovolemic shock, based on which one of the following?

The nurse is caring for a patient receiving a continuous norepinephrine (Levophed) IV infusion. Which patient assessment information indicates that the infusion rate may be too high?