American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What treatment is involved in managing septic shock?

1. Volume replacement and inotropic agents

2. Volume replacement and antibiotics

3. Mechanical ventilation support

4. Strict fluid restriction

The correct answer is: Volume replacement and antibiotics

In managing septic shock, the primary components of treatment include volume replacement and the administration of antibiotics. The reason for emphasizing volume replacement is that patients in septic shock often present with significant hypovolemia due to vasodilation and increased capillary permeability. Restoring intravascular volume is crucial to maintaining adequate perfusion and blood pressure, which can help prevent organ dysfunction. Antibiotics play a vital role in addressing the underlying infection causing the septic shock. Early and appropriate antibiotic therapy is linked to improved outcomes and reduced mortality in septic patients, as it targets the pathogens responsible for the infection. Administering antibiotics promptly after the onset of septic shock is critical in controlling infection and preventing further systemic complications. While mechanical ventilation support may be necessary for patients with respiratory distress or failure, it is not a primary treatment for septic shock itself. Strict fluid restriction is counterproductive in this context, as the initial management goal involves providing adequate fluid resuscitation rather than limiting fluid intake. Therefore, the combination of volume replacement and antibiotic therapy forms the cornerstone of immediate septic shock management, addressing both fluid resuscitation and infection control.