ADVANCED CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT
(ACLS): SEPSIS QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS 100% CORRECT RATED
A+
1. Decreased Respiratory Muscle Strength
As people age, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles weaken, and lung elasticity
decreases. This makes it harder for the patient to cough effectively or take deep
breaths postoperatively, significantly increasing the risk of atelectasis (collapsed
lung) and pneumonia.
2. Rigidity of Arterial Walls
With age and chronic hypertension, arterial walls become less elastic and more
"stiff." This rigidity makes it difficult for the cardiovascular system to respond to
the stress of anesthesia and fluid shifts during surgery, increasing the risk of blood
pressure spikes or cardiac events.
Why the other options were incorrect:
Increased Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): In reality, GFR typically
decreases with age. A lower GFR increases the risk of drug toxicity because
the kidneys cannot clear anesthesia and medications as efficiently.
Enhanced Elasticity of Arterial Walls: This would be a sign of a very
young, healthy vascular system. Aging causes a loss of elasticity, not an
enhancement.
Additional Clinical Considerations for this Client
Given his specific history, the nurse should also be alert to:
Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalance: He hasn't eaten in two days and has been
vomiting. This could lead to dehydration and potassium imbalances, which
are dangerous for a patient with HTN.
, Blood Glucose Management: The stress of surgery and the "nothing by
mouth" (NPO) status will require close monitoring of his Type 2 DM to
prevent hypoglycemia or extreme hyperglycemia.
Skin Integrity: Older adults have thinner skin and less subcutaneous fat,
increasing the risk of pressure injuries during a long procedure.
Upon completing the client's assessment, the nurse determines that the client has
which surgical risk factors? (Select all that apply.)
- Metoprolol.
- Poor appetite.
- Diabetes Mellitus.
- Albumin 3.0 g/dL (30 g/L).
- Marital status.
Metoprolol.
Metoprolol has the potential to increase the risk of bradycardia when used in
conjunction with anesthetics.
Poor appetite.
Poor appetite places the client at risk for surgical complications due to inadequate
nutrition.
Diabetes Mellitus.
(ACLS): SEPSIS QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS 100% CORRECT RATED
A+
1. Decreased Respiratory Muscle Strength
As people age, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles weaken, and lung elasticity
decreases. This makes it harder for the patient to cough effectively or take deep
breaths postoperatively, significantly increasing the risk of atelectasis (collapsed
lung) and pneumonia.
2. Rigidity of Arterial Walls
With age and chronic hypertension, arterial walls become less elastic and more
"stiff." This rigidity makes it difficult for the cardiovascular system to respond to
the stress of anesthesia and fluid shifts during surgery, increasing the risk of blood
pressure spikes or cardiac events.
Why the other options were incorrect:
Increased Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): In reality, GFR typically
decreases with age. A lower GFR increases the risk of drug toxicity because
the kidneys cannot clear anesthesia and medications as efficiently.
Enhanced Elasticity of Arterial Walls: This would be a sign of a very
young, healthy vascular system. Aging causes a loss of elasticity, not an
enhancement.
Additional Clinical Considerations for this Client
Given his specific history, the nurse should also be alert to:
Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalance: He hasn't eaten in two days and has been
vomiting. This could lead to dehydration and potassium imbalances, which
are dangerous for a patient with HTN.
, Blood Glucose Management: The stress of surgery and the "nothing by
mouth" (NPO) status will require close monitoring of his Type 2 DM to
prevent hypoglycemia or extreme hyperglycemia.
Skin Integrity: Older adults have thinner skin and less subcutaneous fat,
increasing the risk of pressure injuries during a long procedure.
Upon completing the client's assessment, the nurse determines that the client has
which surgical risk factors? (Select all that apply.)
- Metoprolol.
- Poor appetite.
- Diabetes Mellitus.
- Albumin 3.0 g/dL (30 g/L).
- Marital status.
Metoprolol.
Metoprolol has the potential to increase the risk of bradycardia when used in
conjunction with anesthetics.
Poor appetite.
Poor appetite places the client at risk for surgical complications due to inadequate
nutrition.
Diabetes Mellitus.
