Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What laboratory assessments are essential in the management of a patient with sepsis?

1. Electrolytes only

2. Glucose only

3. Complete blood count, blood cultures, and chemistries

4. Only imaging studies

The correct answer is: Complete blood count, blood cultures, and chemistries

In the management of a patient with sepsis, a thorough understanding of the patient's biochemical and hematological status is crucial for guiding treatment decisions. This is where the complete blood count, blood cultures, and chemistries come into play. A complete blood count (CBC) provides critical insights into the patient's immune response, specifically through white blood cell (WBC) counts, which can indicate the presence of infection or inflammation. Blood cultures are essential to identify the causative organisms of the infection, which is vital for selecting appropriate antibiotics. This step can significantly impact patient outcomes by ensuring that the treatment is targeted and effective. Lastly, blood chemistries, which include electrolytes, renal function tests, and liver enzymes, help in assessing the overall physiological status of the patient and detecting complications arising from sepsis such as organ dysfunction. While monitoring electrolytes or glucose might be part of the clinical management, these tests alone do not provide a comprehensive overview necessary for managing sepsis. Imaging studies can play a role in identifying the source of infection but are not laboratory assessments and do not provide real-time information on the patient's biochemical or hematologic status. Therefore, the combination of CBC, blood cultures, and chemistries is essential for the effective management of se