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. A nurse is assessing a client who has a calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct! A calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL indicates hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can lead to increased neuromuscular excitability, manifesting as tingling of the extremities. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect findings associated with other electrolyte imbalances or conditions and are not typically related to hypocalcemia. Constipation is commonly seen in hypokalemia, absent deep-tendon reflexes are associated with hypermagnesemia, and nausea and vomiting are more indicative of hypercalcemia.

3. A public health nurse working in a rural area is developing a program to improve health for the local population. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Providing anticipatory guidance classes to parents through public schools is the most appropriate action for the public health nurse in a rural area. This approach allows the nurse to address early prevention strategies, which are crucial in promoting health in rural populations. Choice B is incorrect because having a nurse from outside the community may not fully understand the local needs and dynamics. Choice C is wrong as focusing health spending on tertiary interventions is not cost-effective or preventive. Choice D is also incorrect because while increasing awareness about industrial pollution is important, it may not directly address the health needs of the local rural population.

4. When a nurse questions a medication prescription as too extreme due to a client's advanced age and unstable status, this action exemplifies which ethical principle?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Non-maleficence. Non-maleficence refers to the ethical principle of avoiding harm. In this scenario, the nurse questions the medication prescription to prevent potential harm to the client, demonstrating the principle of non-maleficence. Choice A, fidelity, pertains to being faithful and keeping promises, which is not the focus of the scenario. Choice B, autonomy, relates to respecting a client's right to make decisions about their care, not the nurse's actions. Choice C, justice, involves fairness and equal treatment, which is not directly applicable to the nurse questioning a medication prescription to prevent harm.

5. 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?

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.

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