A charge nurse is reviewing the status of patients in the critical care unit. Which patient should the charge nurse notify the organ procurement team to evaluate for possible organ donation?

Choice A reason:

A temperature of 96.8°F is within the normal range for a human body (97.8°F to 99.1°F). However, it does not necessarily indicate the desired effect of Dopamine. Dopamine is primarily used to improve blood flow and cardiac output, particularly in critically ill patients. Therefore, temperature alone is not a reliable indicator of its effectiveness.

Choice B reason:

Blood pressure of 110/68 mmHg suggests that the Dopamine is effectively maintaining the patient's hemodynamic stability. Dopamine is often used to support blood pressure in patients with hypotension, particularly after spinal cord injuries. Maintaining an adequate blood pressure ensures that vital organs receive sufficient blood flow, which is a key therapeutic goal of Dopamine administration.

Choice C reason:

A respiratory rate of 20 breaths/min is considered normal for an adult (12-20 breaths/min). While normal respiratory rate is a positive sign, it is not a direct measure of Dopamine's effectiveness. Dopamine's primary action is on the cardiovascular system, so a normal respiratory rate alone does not necessarily indicate that the drug is having the desired effect.

Choice D reason:

A heart rate of 70 beats/min is within the normal range for adults (60-100 beats/min). Similar to the respiratory rate, while a normal heart rate is beneficial, it is not a direct indicator of Dopamine's effectiveness. Dopamine's role in improving cardiac output and blood pressure is more critical in assessing its desired effects.

Choice A reason:

Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for discomfort is not recommended for patients with heart failure because NSAIDs can cause fluid retention and worsen heart failure symptoms. They can also interfere with the effects of certain heart failure medications.

Choice B reason:

Limiting sodium in the diet to 3.5 g/day is not restrictive enough for heart failure patients. Typically, heart failure management involves reducing sodium intake to around 2-2.3 g/day to help prevent fluid retention and reduce the workload on the heart.

Choice C reason:

Placing the client in a lateral position is not specifically beneficial in the management of heart failure. While changing positions can be part of general patient care, it does not directly address the fluid balance or cardiac workload in heart failure patients.

Choice D reason:

Limiting fluid intake to 2 liters/day is a common intervention for managing heart failure. This helps to prevent fluid overload, which can exacerbate heart failure symptoms and lead to complications such as pulmonary edema. Maintaining a careful balance of fluid intake is essential for managing heart failure effectively.