how should a nurse assess a patient with sepsis

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020

1. How should a healthcare provider assess a patient with sepsis?

A. Monitor vital signs and administer fluids
B. Monitor for fever and administer antibiotics
C. Check for tachycardia and elevated white blood cell count
D. Administer fluids and provide nutritional support

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In sepsis, it is crucial to monitor vital signs to assess the patient's condition and administer fluids to maintain circulation. This approach helps in stabilizing blood pressure and perfusion. While monitoring for fever and administering antibiotics (choice B) is important in managing sepsis, the initial priority lies in assessing and stabilizing the patient's hemodynamic status. Checking for tachycardia and elevated white blood cell count (choice C) can be part of the assessment but does not encompass the immediate intervention needed in sepsis. Administering fluids and providing nutritional support (choice D) are essential in managing sepsis, but the primary step should be to assess the patient's condition through vital sign monitoring.

2. What are the common complications of diabetes, and how should they be managed?

A. Retinopathy and nephropathy; manage with regular screening
B. Neuropathy and cardiovascular disease; manage with medication
C. Foot ulcers and hypertension; manage with proper foot care
D. Hypertension and liver disease; manage with insulin therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Common complications of diabetes include retinopathy (damage to the retina) and nephropathy (kidney damage). These complications can be managed effectively with regular screening to detect any signs early on. Choice B is incorrect as neuropathy and cardiovascular disease are other complications of diabetes but are managed through various treatments and lifestyle modifications, not just medication. Choice C is incorrect as although foot ulcers and hypertension are associated with diabetes, the management involves proper foot care practices and blood pressure control, respectively. Choice D is incorrect as hypertension and liver disease are not the typical complications of diabetes, and insulin therapy is not the primary management for these conditions.

3. What are key signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in older adults?

A. Confusion and increased temperature
B. Painful urination and frequent urination
C. Dizziness and headache
D. Back pain and fever

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In older adults, key signs of a UTI often include confusion and increased temperature. Confusion is a common symptom in the elderly when they have a UTI, and an increase in body temperature can indicate an infection. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while painful urination and frequent urination are common UTI symptoms in general, they may not be as prominent in older adults. Dizziness, headache, back pain, and fever can be associated with other conditions but are not typically key signs of a UTI in older adults.

4. How should a healthcare provider assess and manage a patient with anemia?

A. Monitor hemoglobin levels and provide iron supplements
B. Administer B12 injections
C. Monitor for signs of infection and administer folic acid
D. Administer oxygen therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: To assess and manage a patient with anemia, monitoring hemoglobin levels and providing iron supplements are crucial. Anemia is commonly caused by iron deficiency, making iron supplementation a cornerstone of treatment. B12 injections (Choice B) are more relevant for treating megaloblastic anemia, not the typical iron-deficiency anemia. Monitoring for signs of infection and administering folic acid (Choice C) are important in specific types of anemia like megaloblastic anemia, but not the first-line approach for anemia management. Administering oxygen therapy (Choice D) is not the primary intervention for anemia unless severe hypoxemia is present, which is not typically seen in anemia.

5. How should a healthcare provider manage a patient with hypertensive crisis?

A. Administer antihypertensive medications and monitor blood pressure
B. Provide a high-sodium diet and fluid restriction
C. Administer diuretics and provide oxygen therapy
D. Provide IV fluids and monitor for kidney failure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a hypertensive crisis, the immediate goal is to lower blood pressure to prevent organ damage. Administering antihypertensive medications helps achieve this goal efficiently. Monitoring blood pressure is essential to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust medication as needed. Providing a high-sodium diet and fluid restriction (Choice B) can exacerbate hypertension by increasing blood pressure. Diuretics and oxygen therapy (Choice C) are not the first-line treatment for hypertensive crisis, as the priority is rapid blood pressure reduction. Providing IV fluids and monitoring for kidney failure (Choice D) are not primary interventions for managing hypertensive crisis; the focus is on blood pressure control and organ protection.