Question

A nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 10-year-old child following a burn injury. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings is an indication of early septic shock?

A) Decreased heart rate
B) Increased blood pressure
C) Elevated temperature
D) Normal respiratory rate"

Answer 1

C) Elevated temperature. An elevated temperature is an early indication of septic shock in a 10-year-old child following a burn injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body has an overwhelming immune response to an infection, leading to low blood pressure and inadequate blood flow to the organs. In a 10-year-old child following a burn injury, an early indication of septic shock would be an elevated temperature (Option C). This is because infections can cause the body's temperature to rise as a part of the immune response. Other signs and symptoms of septic shock may include an increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and abnormal respiratory rate. However, in the early stages, an elevated temperature is a more reliable indicator.