The nurse is caring for a patient in septic shock.The nurse assesses the patient to have a blood pressure of 105/60 mm Hg,heart rate 110 beats/min,respiratory rate 32 breaths/min,oxygen saturation (SpO₂)95% on 45% supplemental oxygen via Venturi mask,and a temperature of 102° F.The physician orders stat administration of an antibiotic.Which additional physician order should the nurse complete first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Timely identification of the causative organism through blood cultures and the initiation of appropriate antibiotics following obtaining blood cultures improve the survival of patients with sepsis or septic shock.A chest x-ray,Foley insertion,and measurement of serum electrolytes may be included in the plan of care but are not the priority in this scenario.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient in Septic Shock