Septic Shock NCLEX Questions
Septic Shock NCLEX Questions
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This quiz will test your knowledge on septic shock. Septic shock occurs when a
patient has sepsis. Sepsis causes the body to activate the inflammatory
response system, but it’s an amplified activation of this system. This leads to a
decrease in tissue perfusion that will cause organ dysfunction. The cells that
make up the organs/tissue will experience hypoxia and eventually multiple
organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and death will occur.
There are various types of shock: cardiogenic, hypovolemic, anaphylactic, LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEOS
1. True or False: Septic shock causes system wide vasodilation which leads to an
increase in systemic vascular resistance. In addition, septic shock causes
increased capillary permeability and clot formation in the microcirculation
throughout the body.
True
False
The answer is B. Septic shock is a form of distributive shock. This means there is
an issue with the distribution of blood flow in the small blood vessels of the
body. This results in a diminished supply of blood to the body's tissues and
organs. Anaphylactic and neurogenic shock are also a type of distributive form
of shock. Septic shock isn't occurring due to an issue with cardiac output, which
occurs in hypovolemic and cardiogenic shock.
The answers are A and C. To know if the patient is progressing to septic shock,
you need to think about the hallmark findings associated with this condition.
Septic shock is characterized by major persistent hypotension (<90 SBP) that
doesn't respond to IV fluids (refractory hypotension), and the patient needs
vasopressors (ex: Norepinephrine) to maintain a mean arterial pressure greater
than 65 and their serum lactate is greater than 2 mmol/L. A serum lactate
greater than 2 indicates the cell's tissue/organs are not functioning properly
due to low oxygen; hence tissue perfusion is poor due to the low blood pressure
and mean arterial pressure.
4. You're providing care to four patients. Select all the patients who are at risk
for developing sepsis:
A. A 35-year-old female who is hospitalized with renal insufficiency and
has a Foley catheter and central line in place.
All the answers are correct. All the patients have risk factors for developing
sepsis. Remember the mnemonic: Septic.....Suppressed immune system
(AIDS/HIV, immunosuppressive therapy, steroids, chemo, pregnancy,
malnutrition)....Extreme age (infants and elderly)...Post-op (surgical/invasive
procedures)....Transplant recipients.....Indwelling devices (Foley catheter,
central lines, trachs).....Chronic diseases (diabetes, hepatitis, alcoholism, renal
insufficiency)
5. A patient with a severe infection has developed septic shock. The patient's
blood pressure is 72/44, heart rate 130, respiration 22, oxygen saturation 96%
on high-flow oxygen, and temperature 103.6 'F. The patient's mean arterial
pressure (MAP) is 53 mmHg. Based on these findings, you know this patient is
experiencing diminished tissue perfusion and needs treatment to improve
tissue perfusion to prevent organ dysfunction. In regards to the
pathophysiology of septic shock, what is occurring in the body that is leading to
this decrease in tissue perfusion? Select all that apply:
A. Absolute hypovolemia
B. Vasodilation
The answers are B, C, and E. Septic shock occurs due to sepsis. Sepsis is the
body's reaction to an infection and will lead to septic shock if this reaction is not
treated. This reaction is the activation of the body's inflammatory system, but
it's MAJORLY amplified and system wide. Cardiac output is not the problem in
septic shock as with other types of shocks like hypovolemic or cardiogenic. CO
is actually high or normal during the early stages of septic shock. It only
decreases to the end of septic shock when heart function fails. The issue is with
what is going on beyond the heart in the vessels. Substances are released by the
microorganism that has invaded the body. This causes the immune system to
release substances that will cause system wide vasodilation of the vessels (this
will cause a DECREASE in systemic vascular resistance, blood to pool, and this
decreases blood flow to the organs/tissues) along with an increase in capillary
permeability (this causes fluid to leave the intravascular system and depletes
the circulatory system of fluid and further decreases blood flow to the
organs/fluids...this is RELATIVE (not absolute) hypovolemia). Furthermore,
clots will form in the microcirculation due to plasma activating factor being
released. This will cause platelets to aggregate and block blood flow even more
to the organs/tissues. All of this will lead to decreased tissue perfusion and
deprive cells of oxygen.
6. A patient is at risk for septic shock when a microorganism invades the body.
Which microorganism is the MOST common cause of sepsis?
A. Fungus
B. Virus
C. Parasite
D. Bacteria
7. A patient with a fever is lethargic and has a blood pressure of 89/56. The
patient’s white blood cell count is elevated. The physician suspects the patient
is developing septic shock. What other findings indicate this patient is in the
"early" or "compensated" stage of septic shock? Select all that apply:
A. Urinary output of 60 mL over 4 hours
C. Tachycardia
D. Bradypnea
The answers are B and C. In the early or compensated stage of septic shock, the
patient is in a hyperdynamic state. This is different from the other types of
shock like hypovolemic or cardiogenic (vasoconstriction is occurring in these
types of shock). In septic shock, vasodilation is occurring and this leads to
WARM and FLUSHED skin in the early stage. However, in the late stage the
skin will be cool and clammy. Tachycardia and TACHYpnea (not bradypnea)
occurs in the early stage too as a compensatory mechanism. Oliguria (option A)
is in the late stage or uncompensated when the kidneys are starting to fail.
The answers are A, B, C, and E. When answering this question, select the
options that would indicate the body's organs/tissues are NOT being perfused
adequately. A MAP should be 65 or greater for proper tissue perfusion to occur.
Urinary output should be at least 30 mL/hr. Serum lactate should be less than 2
mmoL/L....if it’s high this indicates cells are not receiving enough oxygen due to
low tissue perfusion. A central venous pressure (CVP) should be greater than 2
mmHg. This shows the filling pressure in the right side of the heart. If this
number is low there is not enough fluid filling in the heart to maintain cardiac
output. This occurs in septic shock due to hypovolemia from increased capillary
permeability where fluid shifted from the intravascular to the interstitial space.
9. The physician orders a patient in septic shock to receive a large IV fluid bolus.
How would the nurse know if this treatment was successful for this patient?
A. The patient's blood pressure changes from 75/48 to 110/82.
The answer is A. In septic shock, the first treatment is to try to maintain tissue
perfusion with fluids. If that doesn't work to increase the blood pressure and
maintain perfusion, vasopressors will be used next. In septic shock, the
intravascular space will be depleted of fluid due to an increase in capillary
permeability. This will lead to hypovolemia, which will decrease blood pressure
and lead to a decrease in blood flow to organs/tissue. If the blood pressure
increases to a normal state, that tells us the fluids are working.
10. A patient in septic shock receives large amounts of IV fluids. However, this
was unsuccessful in maintaining tissue perfusion. As the nurse, you would
anticipate the physician to order what NEXT?
A. IV corticosteroids
B. Colloids
C. Dobutamine
D. Norepinephrine
The answer is D. Fluids are ordered FIRST in septic shock. If this is unsuccessful,
then vasopressors are ordered NEXT. Norepinephrine is used as a first-line
agent. Dobutamine may sometimes be used but for its inotropic effects on the
heart.
11. Your patient, who is post-op from a kidney transplant, has developed septic
shock. Which statement below best reflects the interventions you will perform
for this patient?
A. Administer Norepinephrine before attempting a fluid resuscitation.
The answer is B. This is the only correct option. Option A is wrong because
fluids are administered first, and if they don't work vasopressors
(Norepinephrine) is administered. Option C is wrong because although blood
glucose levels should be measured, it does not take precedence over other
treatments. Option D is wrong because Drotrecogin alpha should be given
within 24-48 hours of septic shock to be the most effective.
B. <80 mg/dL
C. >200 mg/dL
D. <180 mg/dL
14. Your patient's blood pressure is 72/56, heart rate 126, and respiration 24.
The patient has a fungal infection in the lungs. The patient also has a fever,
warm/flushed skin, and is restless. You notify the physician who suspects septic
shock. You anticipate that the physician will order what treatment FIRST?
A. Low-dose corticosteroids
C. Norepinephrine
Watch on
1. True or False: Septic shock causes system wide vasodilation which leads to an
increase in systemic vascular resistance. In addition, septic shock causes
increased capillary permeability and clot formation in the microcirculation
throughout the body.
2. A patient is diagnosed with septic shock. As the nurse you know this is a
__________ form of shock. In addition, you’re aware that __________ and _________
are also this form of shock.
The answer is B. Septic shock is a form of distributive shock. This means there is
an issue with the distribution of blood flow in the small blood vessels of the
body. This results in a diminished supply of blood to the body’s tissues and
organs. Anaphylactic and neurogenic shock are also a type of distributive form
of shock. Septic shock isn’t occurring due to an issue with cardiac output, which
occurs in hypovolemic and cardiogenic shock.
The answers are A and C. To know if the patient is progressing to septic shock,
you need to think about the hallmark findings associated with this condition.
Septic shock is characterized by major persistent hypotension (<90 SBP) that
doesn’t respond to IV fluids (refractory hypotension), and the patient needs
vasopressors (ex: Norepinephrine) to maintain a mean arterial pressure greater
than 65 and their serum lactate is greater than 2 mmol/L. A serum lactate
greater than 2 indicates the cell’s tissue/organs are not functioning properly
due to low oxygen; hence tissue perfusion is poor due to the low blood pressure
and mean arterial pressure.
4. You’re providing care to four patients. Select all the patients who are at risk
for developing sepsis:
All the answers are correct. All the patients have risk factors for developing
sepsis. Remember the mnemonic: Septic…..Suppressed immune system
(AIDS/HIV, immunosuppressive therapy, steroids, chemo, pregnancy,
malnutrition)….Extreme age (infants and elderly)…Post-op (surgical/invasive
procedures)….Transplant recipients…..Indwelling devices (Foley catheter,
central lines, trachs)…..Chronic diseases (diabetes, hepatitis, alcoholism, renal
insufficiency)
5. A patient with a severe infection has developed septic shock. The patient’s
blood pressure is 72/44, heart rate 130, respiration 22, oxygen saturation 96%
on high-flow oxygen, and temperature 103.6 ‘F. The patient’s mean arterial
pressure (MAP) is 53 mmHg. Based on these findings, you know this patient is
experiencing diminished tissue perfusion and needs treatment to improve
tissue perfusion to prevent organ dysfunction. In regards to the
pathophysiology of septic shock, what is occurring in the body that is leading to
this decrease in tissue perfusion? Select all that apply:
A. Absolute hypovolemia
B. Vasodilation
The answers are B, C, and E. Septic shock occurs due to sepsis. Sepsis is the
body’s reaction to an infection and will lead to septic shock if this reaction is not
treated. This reaction is the activation of the body’s inflammatory system, but
it’s MAJORLY amplified and system wide. Cardiac output is not the problem in
septic shock as with other types of shocks like hypovolemic or cardiogenic. CO
is actually high or normal during the early stages of septic shock. It only
decreases to the end of septic shock when heart function fails. The issue is with
what is going on beyond the heart in the vessels. Substances are released by the
microorganism that has invaded the body. This causes the immune system to
release substances that will cause system wide vasodilation of the vessels (this
will cause a DECREASE in systemic vascular resistance, blood to pool, and this
decreases blood flow to the organs/tissues) along with an increase in capillary
permeability (this causes fluid to leave the intravascular system and depletes
the circulatory system of fluid and further decreases blood flow to the
organs/fluids…this is RELATIVE (not absolute) hypovolemia). Furthermore,
clots will form in the microcirculation due to plasma activating factor being
released. This will cause platelets to aggregate and block blood flow even more
to the organs/tissues. All of this will lead to decreased tissue perfusion and
deprive cells of oxygen.
6. A patient is at risk for septic shock when a microorganism invades the body.
Which microorganism is the MOST common cause of sepsis?
A. Fungus
B. Virus
C. Parasite
D. Bacteria
7. A patient with a fever is lethargic and has a blood pressure of 89/56. The
patient’s white blood cell count is elevated. The physician suspects the patient
is developing septic shock. What other findings indicate this patient is in the
“early” or “compensated” stage of septic shock? Select all that apply:
C. Tachycardia
D. Bradypnea
The answers are B and C. In the early or compensated stage of septic shock, the
patient is in a hyperdynamic state. This is different from the other types of
shock like hypovolemic or cardiogenic (vasoconstriction is occurring in these
types of shock). In septic shock, vasodilation is occurring and this leads to
WARM and FLUSHED skin in the early stage. However, in the late stage the
skin will be cool and clammy. Tachycardia and TACHYpnea (not bradypnea)
occurs in the early stage too as a compensatory mechanism. Oliguria (option A)
is in the late stage or uncompensated when the kidneys are starting to fail.
The answers are A, B, C, and E. When answering this question, select the
options that would indicate the body’s organs/tissues are NOT being perfused
adequately. A MAP should be 65 or greater for proper tissue perfusion to occur.
Urinary output should be at least 30 mL/hr. Serum lactate should be less than 2
mmoL/L….if it’s high this indicates cells are not receiving enough oxygen due to
low tissue perfusion. A central venous pressure (CVP) should be greater than 2
mmHg. This shows the filling pressure in the right side of the heart. If this
number is low there is not enough fluid filling in the heart to maintain cardiac
output. This occurs in septic shock due to hypovolemia from increased capillary
permeability where fluid shifted from the intravascular to the interstitial space.
9. The physician orders a patient in septic shock to receive a large IV fluid bolus.
How would the nurse know if this treatment was successful for this patient?
The answer is A. In septic shock, the first treatment is to try to maintain tissue
perfusion with fluids. If that doesn’t work to increase the blood pressure and
maintain perfusion, vasopressors will be used next. In septic shock, the
intravascular space will be depleted of fluid due to an increase in capillary
permeability. This will lead to hypovolemia, which will decrease blood pressure
and lead to a decrease in blood flow to organs/tissue. If the blood pressure
increases to a normal state, that tells us the fluids are working.
10. A patient in septic shock receives large amounts of IV fluids. However, this
was unsuccessful in maintaining tissue perfusion. As the nurse, you would
anticipate the physician to order what NEXT?
A. IV corticosteroids
B. Colloids
C. Dobutamine
D. Norepinephrine
The answer is D. Fluids are ordered FIRST in septic shock. If this is unsuccessful,
then vasopressors are ordered NEXT. Norepinephrine is used as a first-line
agent. Dobutamine may sometimes be used but for its inotropic effects on the
heart.
11. Your patient, who is post-op from a kidney transplant, has developed septic
shock. Which statement below best reflects the interventions you will perform
for this patient?
A. Administer Norepinephrine before attempting a fluid resuscitation.
The answer is B. This is the only correct option. Option A is wrong because
fluids are administered first, and if they don’t work vasopressors
(Norepinephrine) is administered. Option C is wrong because although blood
glucose levels should be measured, it does not take precedence over other
treatments. Option D is wrong because Drotrecogin alpha should be given
within 24-48 hours of septic shock to be the most effective.
A. <110 mg/dL
B. <80 mg/dL
C. >200 mg/dL
D. <180 mg/dL
14. Your patient’s blood pressure is 72/56, heart rate 126, and respiration 24.
The patient has a fungal infection in the lungs. The patient also has a fever,
warm/flushed skin, and is restless. You notify the physician who suspects septic
shock. You anticipate that the physician will order what treatment FIRST?
A. Low-dose corticosteroids
C. Norepinephrine
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