Which of the following should take priority in a patient with MODS secondary to severe sepsis?
1. pO2 of 54 mmHg
2. WBC count of 28,000 cell/cubic mm
3. Serum lactate level is 2 mmol/L
4. Blood glucose of 245 mg/dL
pO2of 54 mmHg
Rationale: The nurse follows the ABCs for priority; a pO2 of 54 mmHg reflects hypoxemia, the priority. A WBC count of 28,000 cells indicates infection; antibiotics are begun within the first hour of identifying severe sepsis, but not before airway and breathing are restored. A serum lactate level of 2 mmol/L is normal. Blood glucose level should be controlled, but not before the airway and breathing are corrected.
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