Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on discharge education and septic shock. Do you know the answer? Let’s find out!
The nurse in the surgical step-down unit has provided education for a patient being discharged home after treatment of septic shock secondary to pneumonia.
Which patient statement indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. “I’m going to start using a vape pen instead of smoking cigarettes.”
B. “I plan to get my pneumonia vaccine at my follow-up medical appointment”
C. “I will contact my health care provider if I have been exposed to the flu.”
D. “I will avoid flying on an airplane for the next three months.”
Scroll down for the correct answer!
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The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…
B. “I plan to get my pneumonia vaccine at my follow-up medical appointment”
Rationale: This statement indicates teaching was successful. To prevent sepsis from developing again, patients should remain up to date on their vaccinations, including the pneumonia vaccine, to prevent future infections.
Main Takeaway
Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when body organs do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly. Septic shock is a type of distributive shock that occurs secondary to sepsis, which is when the body mounts an excessive inflammatory response because of an infection. Nurses should educate patients about health promotion strategies to prevent infections and decrease the risk of recurrent episodes of sepsis. The nurse should review general principles of infection control and hand hygiene, instruct patients to keep any cuts or wounds clean and covered until they are healed, and talk to them about the importance of keeping up to date on recommended vaccinations. For those with chronic conditions, the nurse can stress the importance of adherence to their treatment plan to keep their symptoms under control. The nurse should encourage patients to make healthy eating choices, get adequate sleep, engage in daily physical activity as tolerated, and avoid tobacco use. The nurse should also review the signs and symptoms of shock and stress the importance of seeking medical attention immediately if they experience a fast heart rate; fever or chills; dizziness, fainting, or low blood pressure; shortness of breath; confusion or disorientation; severe pain; or clammy, sweaty skin.
Incorrect Answer Explanations
A. “I’m going to start using a vape pen instead of smoking cigarettes.”
Rationale: This statement indicates additional teaching is needed. Patients should be instructed to stop smoking altogether (including vape pens) and be provided with smoking cessation resources. Nicotine impairs wound healing because it causes vasoconstriction, which interferes with oxygenated blood flow to the wound.
C. “I will contact my health care provider if I have been exposed to the flu.”
Rationale: This statement indicates additional teaching is needed. It is not necessary to report exposure to influenza to the healthcare provider. However, the patient should be instructed to seek medical attention immediately if they experience a fast heart rate, fever or chills, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, confusion or disorientation, severe pain, or clammy, sweaty skin.
D. “I will avoid flying on an airplane for the next three months.”
Rationale: This statement indicates additional teaching is needed. Patients do not need to avoid flying on airplanes for three months after treatment for septic shock. While traveling, they should be educated on standard techniques for infection prevention, such as performing hand hygiene.
Want to learn more about this topic?
Watch the Osmosis video: Shock – Septic: Nursing
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