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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice c. Carry out immediate defibrillation.
Choice A rationale:
Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential for a client who is unresponsive and without a pulse. However, in the presence of ventricular fibrillation, immediate defibrillation is the priority to restore a viable heart rhythm.
Choice B rationale:
Establishing intravenous (IV) access is important for administering medications during resuscitation. However, it is not the immediate priority when defibrillation is indicated.
Choice C rationale:
Immediate defibrillation is the priority action for a client with ventricular fibrillation who is unresponsive and without a pulse. Defibrillation can quickly restore a normal heart rhythm, which is critical in saving the client’s life.
Choice D rationale:
Checking the client’s latest electrolyte levels can provide valuable information for ongoing treatment but is not the immediate priority in an emergency situation where defibrillation is indicated. Immediate action to restore the heart rhythm is more critical.
Correct Answer is D
No explanation
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