Your patient, post-operative from a gastrointestinal surgery, presents with a temperature of 103.6 'F, heart rate 120, blood pressure 72/42, increased white blood cell count, and respirations of 21. An IV fluid bolus is ordered STAT.

Which of the following findings indicate that the patient is progressing to septic shock? Select all that apply:

Patient requires Metoprolol (Lopresor) STAT

Patient requires Norepinephrine to maintain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) greater than 65 mmHg despite fluid replacement

Serum lactate less than 2 mmol/L

Blood pressure of 70/34 after the fluid bolus

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,D

Choice A rationale
The need for Metoprolol (Lopresor) STAT does not necessarily indicate progression to septic shock. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and angina. While it may be used in the management of sepsis to control heart rate, its use does not specifically indicate progression to septic shock.
Choice B rationale
The need for Norepinephrine to maintain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) greater than 65 mmHg despite fluid replacement is a strong indicator of septic shock. Norepinephrine is a vasopressor, a type of medication used to increase blood pressure. In septic shock, vasopressors are often required to maintain adequate blood pressure and organ perfusion despite aggressive fluid resuscitation.
Choice C rationale
A serum lactate level less than 2 mmol/L is generally not indicative of septic shock. Elevated lactate levels can indicate tissue hypoperfusion, a condition that may occur in septic shock. However, a level less than 2 mmol/L is typically considered within the normal range.
Choice D rationale
A blood pressure of 70/34 after the fluid bolus could indicate progression to septic shock. In septic shock, despite aggressive fluid resuscitation, blood pressure often remains dangerously low, which can lead to inadequate blood flow to the organs.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A 65-year-old male recovering from right lobectomy for treatment of lung cancer is at risk for developing sepsis. Post-surgical patients, especially those with cancer, are at increased risk due to potential infection at the surgical site and a weakened immune system from the cancer and/or its treatment.
Choice B rationale
A 78-year-old female with diabetes mellitus who is recovering from colon surgery is at risk for developing sepsis. Diabetes can impair the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Additionally, any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection.
Choice C rationale
A 35-year-old female who is hospitalized with renal insufficiency and has a Foley catheter and central line in place is at risk for developing sepsis. Hospitalized patients, particularly those with invasive devices like catheters and central lines, are at increased risk due to potential introduction of bacteria into the body.
Choice D rationale
A 55-year-old male who is a recent kidney transplant recipient is at risk for developing sepsis. Transplant recipients are often on immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection, which can leave them more susceptible to infections.

A. Trendelenburg position. B. Sims’ position. C. Semi-Fowler’s position. D. Fowler’s position with legs lowered.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The symptoms described - tachycardia, severe dyspnea, diaphoresis, crackles, and profuse, frothy pink sputum - are indicative of acute pulmonary edema, a condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs due to heart failure. In this situation, the Fowler’s position (sitting up at a 45-60 degree angle) with legs lowered is recommended. This position helps to reduce venous return to the heart, thereby decreasing the workload on the heart and helping to alleviate symptoms.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

You’re providing care to four patients. Select all the patients who are at risk for developing sepsis:

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

A client exhibits tachycardia, severe dyspnea, diaphoresis, crackles, and profuse, frothy pink sputum. What position should the nurse place the client in?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

After the shift change, which patient in the emergency department should the nurse prioritize for assessment?

Coarctation of the aorta refers to the local narrowing of the aorta near which location?

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While admitting a patient with pericarditis, what manifestations of this disorder should the nurse assess for?

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