how should a nurse assess a patient with suspected sepsis

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Answers

1. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with suspected sepsis?

A. Monitor vital signs and administer antibiotics
B. Monitor for signs of infection and confusion
C. Monitor for fever and check oxygen saturation
D. Assess for confusion and administer fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a patient with suspected sepsis, it is crucial to monitor vital signs like temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Administering antibiotics promptly is also vital to treat the infection causing sepsis. This approach helps in preventing the progression of sepsis to severe stages and reduces the risk of complications. Choice B is incorrect because only monitoring signs of infection and confusion may delay necessary treatment with antibiotics. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses only on fever and oxygen saturation, missing other important vital signs. Choice D is incorrect because assessing for confusion alone is not sufficient, and administering fluids should be guided by the patient's fluid status rather than being an initial step in suspected sepsis assessment.

2. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with hyperkalemia?

A. Monitor ECG and administer insulin
B. Monitor blood glucose levels and provide fluids
C. Monitor for muscle weakness and administer calcium gluconate
D. Monitor electrolyte levels and provide potassium supplements

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: When assessing a patient with hyperkalemia, monitoring the ECG and administering insulin are crucial steps. Hyperkalemia can affect the heart's function, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Monitoring the ECG helps in identifying any cardiac abnormalities associated with high potassium levels. Administering insulin, along with glucose, helps shift potassium from the bloodstream into the cells, temporarily lowering the potassium levels. Choice B is incorrect because monitoring blood glucose levels and providing fluids are not the primary interventions for hyperkalemia. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring for muscle weakness and administering calcium gluconate are not the first-line treatments for hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate may be used in specific situations to stabilize cardiac cell membranes in severe cases of hyperkalemia. Choice D is incorrect because monitoring electrolyte levels and providing potassium supplements would worsen hyperkalemia, as the patient already has elevated potassium levels and does not require additional potassium supplementation.

3. What is the correct procedure for taking a telephone order from a provider?

A. State patient name, drug, dose, route, frequency, and read back the order
B. State the medication and ask for a witness to listen to the order
C. Write down the order and verify with the provider within 12 hours
D. Have the provider verify the order during the next in-person visit

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct procedure for taking a telephone order from a provider is to state the patient's name, drug, dose, route, frequency, and then read back the order to ensure accuracy. This process helps in preventing errors and ensures that all relevant information is correctly documented. Choice B is incorrect because having a witness listen to the order is not a standard practice and may not guarantee accuracy. Choice C is incorrect as verifying the order within 12 hours may lead to delays in patient care. Choice D is incorrect because waiting for the provider to verify the order during the next in-person visit could result in a significant delay in administering necessary medication.

4. A nurse in a provider's office is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate elixir. Which of the following statements by the client should indicate to the nurse an understanding of the teaching?

A. I will take this medication before meals
B. I will mix this medication with water
C. I will take this medication once a week
D. I will rinse my mouth after taking this medication

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because rinsing the mouth is essential to prevent staining and irritation caused by ferrous sulfate elixir. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Taking ferrous sulfate elixir before meals (Choice A) is not necessary. Mixing it with water (Choice B) is not recommended as it may alter the medication's effectiveness. Taking the medication once a week (Choice C) is incorrect as ferrous sulfate is usually prescribed daily or as directed by a healthcare provider.

5. A nurse is teaching a client how to administer enoxaparin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Inject the medication into the muscle of the thigh
B. Massage the injection site after administration
C. Pinch the skin before injecting
D. Administer the medication at the same time each day

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for administering enoxaparin is to pinch the skin before injecting. Pinching the skin helps create a proper fold for subcutaneous injections like enoxaparin, ensuring proper delivery of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue. Choice A is incorrect because enoxaparin should be administered subcutaneously, not into the muscle. Injecting it into the muscle can lead to complications. Choice B is incorrect because massaging the injection site after administration can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising due to the anticoagulant properties of enoxaparin. Choice D is incorrect as it is a general instruction and does not specifically relate to the administration of enoxaparin.