A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is receiving a dopamine infusion at a low dose for treatment of shock. Which of the following findings is an expected effect of this medication?

A) This is normal.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant medication commonly used to help loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is an expected response and indicates that the medication is working as intended. Guaifenesin helps to clear the airways of excess mucus, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions such as bronchitis or chest congestion.

B) This requires further investigation.
Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is a common and expected response and does not typically indicate a need for further investigation unless there are other concerning symptoms present. It is important for the nurse to provide reassurance and education about the expected effects of the medication.

C) This is indicative of an allergic reaction.
Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is not indicative of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions to guaifenesin are rare but may include symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. If the client were experiencing these symptoms, it would be important to assess further for a possible allergic reaction and intervene accordingly.

D) This means there is probably more pathology present.
Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin does not necessarily indicate the presence of more pathology. It simply indicates that the medication is helping to loosen and mobilize mucus in the airways, which is a normal response to expectorant therapy. If the client has concerns about their symptoms, further assessment by a healthcare provider may be warranted, but coughing up phlegm alone is not necessarily indicative of worsening pathology.

A) Lowered heart rate:
Dopamine typically increases heart rate as it acts on beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to increased cardiac contractility and chronotropy. However, at low doses, the effect on heart rate may be minimal compared to higher doses.

B) Decreased conduction through the AV node:
Dopamine may have minimal effects on conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, especially at low doses. It primarily acts on adrenergic receptors to increase cardiac contractility and heart rate.

C) Increased urine output.
Dopamine is a medication commonly used to treat shock by improving cardiac output and blood pressure. At low doses, dopamine primarily acts on dopamine receptors in the renal blood vessels, causing vasodilation and increased renal blood flow. This increased renal blood flow leads to increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urine output. Therefore, increased urine output is an expected effect of dopamine infusion at low doses in the treatment of shock.

D) Vasoconstriction of renal blood vessels:
At low doses, dopamine primarily acts on dopamine receptors in the renal blood vessels, causing vasodilation and increased renal blood flow. Vasoconstriction of renal blood vessels is more commonly associated with higher doses of dopamine or with other vasopressor medications such as norepinephrine or phenylephrine.