A patient being evaluated for septic shock has a serum lactate level of 5 mmol/L.What intervention does the nurse anticipate?
A)Decreasing the amount of oxygen being given
B)Immediate initiation of fluid resuscitation
C)Repeat of the testing in 4 hours
D)Bedside fingerstick level of blood glucose

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A serum lactate level of 5 mmol/L is indicative of tissue hypoperfusion and is a marker for septic shock. The initial intervention is immediate fluid resuscitation to increase intravascular volume and improve tissue perfusion. Decreasing oxygen would only worsen tissue hypoxia. Repeating the testing in 4 hours would delay necessary intervention. A bedside fingerstick level of blood glucose would not address the underlying issue of septic shock.

A Patient Being Evaluated for Septic Shock Has a Serum