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) BP 130/90 mm Hg

B) HR 60/min

C) Temperature 39.1° C (102.4° F)

D) Urinary output 100 mL/hr

Answer 1

Option C, which states a temperature of 39.1° C (102.4° F), indicates an early sign of septic shock in a child following a burn injury, as fever can be a precursor sign of infection leading to septic shock.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking which vital sign among the given options is an indication of early septic shock in a 10-year-old child following a burn injury. Septic shock is a severe and potentially fatal condition that occurs as part of a systemic response to infection, and it can manifest as alterations in body temperature, tachycardia (elevated heart rate), hypotension (lowered blood pressure), or changes in respiratory rate or urine output. Of the options provided:

• A) BP 130/90 mm Hg - This is higher than normal for a child but not indicative of shock.
• B) HR 60/min - A heart rate of 60 beats per minute is within normal range for a child and does not signify shock.
• C) Temperature 39.1° C (102.4° F) - This represents a fever, which can be an indication of infection and a precursor sign of sepsis or septic shock.
• D) Urinary output 100 mL/hr - This urinary output is not indicative of shock; in shock, we would expect a dramatically reduced urinary output.

Therefore, the option that indicates an early sign of septic shock in a child with a burn injury is C) Temperature 39.1° C (102.4° F).