Question

a nurse is receiving report on a client who has sepsis related to a urinary tract infection (uti). which of the following vital signs should the nurse expect? temperature 36.1°c (97°f) heart rate 72/min respiratory rate 18/min blood pressure 90/58 mm hg

Explanation:

Sepsis is a life - threatening condition caused by the body's response to an infection. In sepsis, the body's immune system overreacts, leading to widespread inflammation. This can cause a variety of physiological changes.

• Temperature: While fever (temperature > 38°C or 100.4°F) is a common sign of infection, in some cases of severe sepsis or septic shock, especially in the elderly or very young, the body temperature can be low (hypothermia, < 36°C or 96.8°F). However, 36.1°C (97°F) is within the normal range (36 - 37°C or 96.8 - 98.6°F) and not a typical sign of active sepsis.
• Heart rate: In sepsis, the body tries to compensate for the decreased tissue perfusion. Tachycardia (heart rate > 90/min) is a common finding as the heart pumps faster to deliver more oxygen - rich blood to the tissues. A heart rate of 72/min is within the normal range (60 - 100/min) and not characteristic of sepsis.
• Respiratory rate: Tachypnea (respiratory rate > 20/min) occurs as the body tries to eliminate excess carbon dioxide (a by - product of increased metabolic rate due to inflammation) and take in more oxygen. A respiratory rate of 18/min is within the normal range (12 - 20/min) and not a typical sign of sepsis.
• Blood pressure: In sepsis, especially as it progresses to septic shock, there is vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and decreased blood volume (due to capillary leak). This leads to hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg or mean arterial pressure < 65 mm Hg). A blood pressure of 90/58 mm Hg (systolic < 90) is consistent with the hemodynamic changes seen in sepsis.

Answer:

Blood pressure 90/58 mm Hg