how should a nurse assess a patient with suspected sepsis
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ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Answers

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

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. What is the appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing hypovolemic shock?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention for a patient experiencing hypovolemic shock is to administer IV fluids. In hypovolemic shock, there is a significant loss of circulating blood volume leading to inadequate perfusion to tissues. Administering IV fluids is crucial to restore blood volume and improve tissue perfusion. Monitoring blood pressure (choice B) is important but not the primary intervention in hypovolemic shock. Placing the patient in Trendelenburg position (choice C) can worsen outcomes by increasing intracranial pressure and is no longer recommended. Administering oxygen (choice D) is beneficial for many conditions but does not address the underlying issue of inadequate circulating blood volume in hypovolemic shock.

3. What are the signs of opioid withdrawal, and how should it be managed?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs of opioid withdrawal typically include sweating and nausea. The correct management approach involves administering methadone to alleviate the symptoms. Choice B is incorrect because naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdose, not for managing withdrawal symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as buprenorphine is typically used to treat opioid addiction, not just withdrawal symptoms. Choice D is incorrect as sedatives are not the primary treatment for opioid withdrawal.

4. When providing discharge teaching to a client with diabetes, what is the most important instruction?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering insulin as prescribed before meals is crucial for managing diabetes. This instruction is vital as it helps the client maintain blood sugar levels within the target range. Checking blood sugar levels once daily is important but not as critical as ensuring the timely administration of insulin. Taking medication only when feeling unwell is dangerous as it may lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Eating carbohydrate-rich meals may actually destabilize blood sugar levels rather than stabilizing them, making it an incorrect choice.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports tingling and numbness in the hands. The nurse should expect to administer which of the following medications?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tingling and numbness in the hands can indicate hypocalcemia, a common complication following a thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications like tetany and seizures. Calcium gluconate is the drug of choice for rapidly raising serum calcium levels in hypocalcemic patients. Sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for treating hypocalcemia or related symptoms. Potassium chloride is used to correct potassium imbalances, not calcium. Magnesium sulfate is not the appropriate treatment for hypocalcemia; it is commonly used for conditions like preeclampsia or eclampsia.

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