Medical-Surgical Nursing Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems 9e Chapter 67

Chapter 67: Nursing Management: Shock, Systemic Inflammatory Response
Syndrome, and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

Test Bank
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A 78-kg patient with septic shock has a urine output of 30 mL/hr for the past 3 hours. The
pulse rate is 120/minute and the central venous pressure and pulmonary artery wedge pressure
are low. Which order by the health care provider will the nurse question?
a. Give PRN furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg IV.
b. Increase normal saline infusion to 250 mL/hr.
c. Administer hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef) 100 mg IV.
d. Titrate norepinephrine (Levophed) to keep systolic BP >90 mm Hg.
ANS: A
Furosemide will lower the filling pressures and renal perfusion further for the patient with
septic shock. The other orders are appropriate.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1640

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with shock of unknown etiology whose hemodynamic
monitoring indicates BP 92/54, pulse 64, and an elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure.
Which collaborative intervention ordered by the health care provider should the nurse
question?
a. Infuse normal saline at 250 mL/hr.
b. Keep head of bed elevated to 30 degrees.
c. Hold nitroprusside (Nipride) if systolic BP <90 mm Hg.
d. Titrate dobutamine (Dobutrex) to keep systolic BP >90 mm Hg.
ANS: A
The patients elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure indicates volume excess. A saline
infusion at 250 mL/hr will exacerbate the volume excess. The other actions are appropriate for
the patient.

TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
3. A 19-year-old patient with massive trauma and possible spinal cord injury is admitted to the
emergency department (ED). Which assessment finding by the nurse will help confirm a
diagnosis of neurogenic shock?
a. Inspiratory crackles.
b. Cool, clammy extremities.
c. Apical heart rate 45 beats/min.
d. Temperature 101.2 F (38.4 C).
ANS: C
Neurogenic shock is characterized by hypotension and bradycardia. The other findings would
be more consistent with other types of shock.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 1634
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
4. An older patient with cardiogenic shock is cool and clammy and hemodynamic monitoring
indicates a high systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Which intervention should the nurse
anticipate doing next?
a. Increase the rate for the dopamine (Intropin) infusion.
b. Decrease the rate for the nitroglycerin (Tridil) infusion.
c. Increase the rate for the sodium nitroprusside (Nipride) infusion.
d. Decrease the rate for the 5% dextrose in normal saline (D5/.9 NS) infusion.
ANS: C
Nitroprusside is an arterial vasodilator and will decrease the SVR and afterload, which will
improve cardiac output. Changes in the D5/.9 NS and nitroglycerin infusions will not directly
decrease SVR. Increasing the dopamine will tend to increase SVR.

5. After receiving 2 L of normal saline, the central venous pressure for a patient who has septic
shock is 10 mm Hg, but the blood pressure is still 82/40 mm Hg. The nurse will anticipate an
order for
a. nitroglycerine (Tridil).
b. norepinephrine (Levophed).
c. sodium nitroprusside (Nipride).
d. methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol).
ANS: B
When fluid resuscitation is unsuccessful, vasopressor drugs are administered to increase the
systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and blood pressure, and improve tissue perfusion.
Nitroglycerin would decrease the preload and further drop cardiac output and BP.
Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) is considered if blood pressure does not respond first to
fluids and vasopressors. Nitroprusside is an arterial vasodilator and would further decrease
SVR.

6. To evaluate the effectiveness of the pantoprazole (Protonix) ordered for a patient with
systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), which assessment will the nurse perform?
a. Auscultate bowel sounds.
b. Palpate for abdominal pain.
c. Ask the patient about nausea.
d. Check stools for occult blood.
ANS: D
Proton pump inhibitors are given to decrease the risk for stress ulcers in critically ill patients.
The other assessments also will be done, but these will not help in determining the
effectiveness of the pantoprazole administration.

TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
7. A patient with cardiogenic shock has the following vital signs: BP 102/50, pulse 128,
respirations 28. The pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is increased and cardiac output
is low. The nurse will anticipate an order for which medication?
a. 5% human albumin
b. Furosemide (Lasix) IV
c. Epinephrine (Adrenalin) drip
d. Hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef)
ANS: B
The PAWP indicates that the patients preload is elevated, and furosemide is indicated to
reduce the preload and improve cardiac output. Epinephrine would further increase heart rate
and myocardial oxygen demand. 5% human albumin would also increase the PAWP.
Hydrocortisone might be considered for septic or anaphylactic shock.

8. The emergency department (ED) nurse receives report that a patient involved in a motor
vehicle crash is being transported to the facility with an estimated arrival in 1 minute. In
preparation for the patients arrival, the nurse will obtain
a. hypothermia blanket.
b. lactated Ringers solution.
c. two 14-gauge IV catheters.
d. dopamine (Intropin) infusion.
ANS: C
A patient with multiple trauma may require fluid resuscitation to prevent or treat hypovolemic
shock, so the nurse will anticipate the need for 2 large bore IV lines to administer normal
saline. Lactated Ringers solution should be used cautiously and will not be ordered until the
patient has been assessed for possible liver abnormalities. Vasopressor infusion is not used as
the initial therapy for hypovolemic shock. Patients in shock need to be kept warm not cool.

9. Which finding is the best indicator that the fluid resuscitation for a patient with hypovolemic
shock has been effective?
a. Hemoglobin is within normal limits.
b. Urine output is 60 mL over the last hour.
c. Central venous pressure (CVP) is normal.
d. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is 72 mm Hg.
ANS: B
Assessment of end organ perfusion, such as an adequate urine output, is the best indicator that
fluid resuscitation has been successful. The hemoglobin level, CVP, and MAP are useful in
determining the effects of fluid administration, but they are not as useful as data indicating
good organ perfusion.

10. Which intervention will the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient who has cardiogenic
shock?
a. Check temperature every 2 hours.
b. Monitor breath sounds frequently.
c. Maintain patient in supine position.
d. Assess skin for flushing and itching.
ANS: B
Since pulmonary congestion and dyspnea are characteristics of cardiogenic shock, the nurse
should assess the breath sounds frequently. The head of the bed is usually elevated to decrease
dyspnea in patients with cardiogenic shock. Elevated temperature and flushing or itching of
the skin are not typical of cardiogenic shock.

11. Norepinephrine (Levophed) has been prescribed for a patient who was admitted with
dehydration and hypotension. Which patient data indicate that the nurse should consult with
the health care provider before starting the norepinephrine?
a. The patients central venous pressure is 3 mm Hg.
b. The patient is in sinus tachycardia at 120 beats/min.
c. The patient is receiving low dose dopamine (Intropin).
d. The patient has had no urine output since being admitted.
ANS: A
Adequate fluid administration is essential before administration of vasopressors to patients
with hypovolemic shock. The patients low central venous pressure indicates a need for more
volume replacement. The other patient data are not contraindications to norepinephrine
administration.

12. A nurse is assessing a patient who is receiving a nitroprusside (Nipride) infusion to treat
cardiogenic shock. Which finding indicates that the medication is effective?
a. No new heart murmurs
b. Decreased troponin level
c. Warm, pink, and dry skin
d. Blood pressure 92/40 mm Hg
ANS: C
Warm, pink, and dry skin indicates that perfusion to tissues is improved. Since nitroprusside is
a vasodilator, the blood pressure may be low even if the medication is effective. Absence of a
heart murmur and a decrease in troponin level are not indicators of improvement in shock.

13. Which assessment information is most important for the nurse to obtain to evaluate whether
treatment of a patient with anaphylactic shock has been effective?
a. Heart rate
b. Orientation
c. Blood pressure
d. Oxygen saturation
ANS: D
Because the airway edema that is associated with anaphylaxis can affect airway and breathing,
the oxygen saturation is the most critical assessment. Improvements in the other assessments
will also be expected with effective treatment of anaphylactic shock.

14. Which data collected by the nurse caring for a patient who has cardiogenic shock indicate that
the patient may be developing multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)?
a. The patients serum creatinine level is elevated.
b. The patient complains of intermittent chest pressure.
c. The patients extremities are cool and pulses are weak.
d. The patient has bilateral crackles throughout lung fields.
ANS: A
The elevated serum creatinine level indicates that the patient has renal failure as well as heart
failure. The crackles, chest pressure, and cool extremities are all consistent with the patients
diagnosis of cardiogenic shock.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1649 | 1633

TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
15. A patient with septic shock has a BP of 70/46 mm Hg, pulse 136, respirations 32, temperature
104 F, and blood glucose 246 mg/dL. Which intervention ordered by the health care provider
should the nurse implement first?
a. Give normal saline IV at 500 mL/hr.
b. Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg rectally.
c. Start insulin drip to maintain blood glucose at 110 to 150 mg/dL.
d. Start norepinephrine (Levophed) to keep systolic blood pressure >90 mm Hg.
ANS: A
Because of the low systemic vascular resistance (SVR) associated with septic shock, fluid
resuscitation is the initial therapy. The other actions also are appropriate, and should be
initiated quickly as well.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1644-1645

OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
16. When the nurse educator is evaluating the skills of a new registered nurse (RN) caring for
patients experiencing shock, which action by the new RN indicates a need for more
education?
a. Placing the pulse oximeter on the ear for a patient with septic shock
b. Keeping the head of the bed flat for a patient with hypovolemic shock
c. Increasing the nitroprusside (Nipride) infusion rate for a patient with a high SVR
d. Maintaining the room temperature at 66 to 68 F for a patient with neurogenic
shock
ANS: D
Patients with neurogenic shock may have poikilothermia. The room temperature should be
kept warm to avoid hypothermia. The other actions by the new RN are appropriate.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1634 | 1636

OBJ: Special Questions: Delegation TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
17. The nurse is caring for a patient who has septic shock. Which assessment finding is most
important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?
a. Blood pressure (BP) 92/56 mm Hg
b. Skin cool and clammy
c. Oxygen saturation 92%
d. Heart rate 118 beats/minute
ANS: B
Because patients in the early stage of septic shock have warm and dry skin, the patients cool
and clammy skin indicates that shock is progressing. The other information will also be
reported, but does not indicate deterioration of the patients status.

OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
18. A patient is admitted to the emergency department (ED) for shock of unknown etiology. The
first action by the nurse should be to
a. administer oxygen.
b. obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG).
c. obtain the blood pressure.
d. check the level of consciousness.
ANS: A
The initial actions of the nurse are focused on the ABCsairway, breathing, and circulation
and administration of oxygen should be done first. The other actions should be accomplished
as rapidly as possible after oxygen administration.

19. During change-of-shift report, the nurse is told that a patient has been admitted with
dehydration and hypotension after having vomiting and diarrhea for 4 days. Which finding is
most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?
a. New onset of confusion
b. Heart rate 112 beats/minute
c. Decreased bowel sounds
d. Pale, cool, and dry extremities
ANS: A
The changes in mental status are indicative that the patient is in the progressive stage of shock
and that rapid intervention is needed to prevent further deterioration. The other information is
consistent with compensatory shock.
20. A patient who has been involved in a motor vehicle crash arrives in the emergency department
(ED) with cool, clammy skin; tachycardia; and hypotension. Which intervention ordered by
the health care provider should the nurse implement first?
a. Insert two large-bore IV catheters.
b. Initiate continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring.
c. Provide oxygen at 100% per non-rebreather mask.
d. Draw blood to type and crossmatch for transfusions.
ANS: C
The first priority in the initial management of shock is maintenance of the airway and
ventilation. ECG monitoring, insertion of IV catheters, and obtaining blood for transfusions
should also be rapidly accomplished but only after actions to maximize oxygen delivery have
been implemented.

21. The patient with neurogenic shock is receiving a phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) infusion
through a right forearm IV. Which assessment finding obtained by the nurse indicates a need
for immediate action?
a. The patients heart rate is 58 beats/minute.
b. The patients extremities are warm and dry.
c. The patients IV infusion site is cool and pale.
d. The patients urine output is 28 mL over the last hour.
ANS: C
The coldness and pallor at the infusion site suggest extravasation of the phenylephrine. The
nurse should discontinue the IV and, if possible, infuse the medication into a central line. An
apical pulse of 58 is typical for neurogenic shock but does not indicate an immediate need for
nursing intervention. A 28-mL urinary output over 1 hour would require the nurse to monitor
the output over the next hour, but an immediate change in therapy is not indicated. Warm, dry
skin is consistent with early neurogenic shock, but it does not indicate a need for a change in
therapy or immediate action.

22. The following interventions are ordered by the health care provider for a patient who has
respiratory distress and syncope after eating strawberries. Which will the nurse complete
first?
a. Start a normal saline infusion.
b. Give epinephrine (Adrenalin).
c. Start continuous ECG monitoring.
d. Give diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
ANS: B
Epinephrine rapidly causes peripheral vasoconstriction, dilates the bronchi, and blocks the
effects of histamine and reverses the vasodilation, bronchoconstriction, and histamine release
that cause the symptoms of anaphylaxis. The other interventions are also appropriate but
would not be the first ones completed.

23. Which finding about a patient who is receiving vasopressin (Pitressin) to treat septic shock is
most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider?
a.The patients urine output is 18 mL/hr.
b.The patients heart rate is 110 beats/minute.
c.The patient is complaining of chest pain.
d.The patients peripheral pulses are weak.
ANS: C
Because vasopressin is a potent vasoconstrictor, it may decrease coronary artery perfusion.
The other information is consistent with the patients diagnosis and should be reported to the
health care provider but does not indicate a need for a change in therapy.

24. After change-of-shift report in the progressive care unit, who should the nurse care for first?
a. Patient who had an inferior myocardial infarction 2 days ago and has crackles in
the lung bases
b. Patient with suspected urosepsis who has new orders for urine and blood cultures
and antibiotics
c. Patient who had a T5 spinal cord injury 1 week ago and currently has a heart rate
of 54 beats/minute
d. Patient admitted with anaphylaxis 3 hours ago who now has clear lung sounds and
a blood pressure of 108/58 mm Hg
ANS: B
Antibiotics should be administered within the first hour for patients who have sepsis or
suspected sepsis in order to prevent progression to systemic inflammatory response syndrome
(SIRS) and septic shock. The data on the other patients indicate that they are more stable.
Crackles heard only at the lung bases do not require immediate intervention in a patient who
has had a myocardial infarction. Mild bradycardia does not usually require atropine in patients
who have a spinal cord injury. The findings for the patient admitted with anaphylaxis indicate
resolution of bronchospasm and hypotension.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 1644 | 1646

OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization; Multiple Patients
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
25. After reviewing the information shown in the accompanying figure for a patient with
pneumonia and sepsis, which information is most important to report to the health care
provider?
a. Temperature and IV site appearance

b. Oxygen saturation and breath sounds
c. Platelet count and presence of petechiae
d. Blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate.
ANS: C
The low platelet count and presence of petechiae suggest that the patient may have
disseminated intravascular coagulation and that multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
(MODS) is developing. The other information will also be discussed with the health care
provider but does not indicate that the patients condition is deteriorating or that a change in
therapy is needed immediately.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 1640

MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. A patient with suspected neurogenic shock after a diving accident has arrived in the
emergency department. A cervical collar is in place. Which actions should the nurse take
(select all that apply)?
a. Prepare to administer atropine IV.
b. Obtain baseline body temperature.
c. Infuse large volumes of lactated Ringers solution.
d. Provide high-flow oxygen (100%) by non-rebreather mask.
e. Prepare for emergent intubation and mechanical ventilation.
ANS: A, B, D, E
All of the actions are appropriate except to give large volumes of lactated Ringers solution.
The patient with neurogenic shock usually has a normal blood volume, and it is important not
to volume overload the patient. In addition, lactated Ringers solution is used cautiously in all
shock situations because the failing liver cannot convert lactate to bicarbonate.

2. Which preventive actions by the nurse will help limit the development of systemic
inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in patients admitted to the hospital (select all that
apply)?
a. Use aseptic technique when caring for invasive lines or devices.
b. Ambulate postoperative patients as soon as possible after surgery.
c. Remove indwelling urinary catheters as soon as possible after surgery.
d. Advocate for parenteral nutrition for patients who cannot take oral feedings.
e. Administer prescribed antibiotics within 1 hour for patients with possible sepsis.
ANS: A, B, C, E
Because sepsis is the most frequent etiology for SIRS, measures to avoid infection such as
removing indwelling urinary catheters as soon as possible, use of aseptic technique, and early
ambulation should be included in the plan of care. Adequate nutrition is important in
preventing SIRS. Enteral, rather than parenteral, nutrition is preferred when patients are
unable to take oral feedings because enteral nutrition helps maintain the integrity of the
intestine, thus decreasing infection risk. Antibiotics should be administered within 1 hour after
being prescribed to decrease the risk of sepsis progressing to SIRS.

SHORT ANSWER
1. A 198-lb patient is to receive a dobutamine infusion at 5 mcg/kg/minute. The label on the

infusion bag states: dobutamine 250 mg in 250 mL normal saline. When setting the infusion
pump, the nurse will set the infusion rate at how many mL per hour?
ANS:
27 In order to administer the dobutamine at the prescribed rate of 5 mcg/kg/minute from a
concentration of 250 mg in 250 mL, the nurse will need to infuse 27 mL/hour.

OTHER
1. The health care provider orders the following interventions for a 67-kg patient who has septic
shock with a BP of 70/42 mm Hg and oxygen saturation of 90% on room air. In which order
will the nurse implement the actions? (Put a comma and a space between each answer choice
[A, B, C, D, E].)
a. Obtain blood and urine cultures.
b. Give vancomycin (Vancocin) 1 g IV.
c. Start norepinephrine (Levophed) 0.5 mcg/min.
d. Infuse normal saline 2000 mL over 30 minutes.
e. Titrate oxygen administration to keep O2 saturation >95%.
ANS:
E, D, C, A, B
The initial action for this hypotensive and hypoxemic patient should be to improve the oxygen
saturation, followed by infusion of IV fluids and vasopressors to improve perfusion. Cultures
should be obtained before administration of antibiotics.


Medical-Surgical Nursing Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems 9e Chapter 67

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Medical-Surgical Nursing Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems 9e Chapter 67

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter 67: Nursing Management: Shock, Systemic Inflammatory Response

Syndrome, and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1640

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1633

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1644

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1643

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1646

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1645

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1641

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1642

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1633

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1644

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1644

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1646

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1649 | 1633

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1644-1645

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1634 | 1636

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1638

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1641

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1641

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1643

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1645

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1643

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 1644 | 1646

a. Temperature and IV site appearance

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 1640

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1646

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 1649

1. A 198-lb patient is to receive a dobutamine infusion at 5 mcg/kg/minute. The label on the

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1642

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 1645

You might also like