A nurse is caring for a client who has a contusion of the brainstem and reports thirst. The client's urinary output was 4,000 mL over the past 24 hours. The nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following intravenous (IV) medications?

Epinephrine

Furosemide

Nitroprusside

Desmopressin

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Epinephrine is primarily used in emergency situations for its vasoconstrictive and bronchodilatory effects, particularly in cases of anaphylaxis or cardiac arrest. It is not typically used to manage symptoms associated with brainstem contusions or to regulate urinary output.

Choice B reason: Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly prescribed to reduce fluid retention in conditions such as heart failure or renal disease. Given that the client has already produced a large volume of urine (4,000 mL in 24 hours, which is above the normal range of 800 to 2,000 milliliters per day), administering furosemide would not be appropriate as it would likely exacerbate the excessive urinary output.

Choice C reason: Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator used to treat acute hypertensive crises. It has no role in the management of thirst or regulation of urinary output and is not indicated for the treatment of brainstem contusions.

Choice D reason: Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. It is used to treat conditions characterized by excessive urination, such as diabetes insipidus, and to manage polyuria and polydipsia (excessive thirst) following head trauma or surgery in the pituitary region. In the context of a brainstem contusion with a reported high urinary output, desmopressin would be the appropriate medication to prescribe to reduce urine volume and address the client's thirst.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason : Administering corticosteroids is not the first-line action for dyspnea related to fluid overload or other causes of respiratory distress in this context.

Choice B reason : Slowing the infusion rate is appropriate when there are signs of fluid overload, such as dyspnea and hypertension. Contacting the provider is crucial for further assessment and management, which may include diuretics or other interventions.

Choice C reason : Lowering the head of the bed to semi-Fowler's may provide some relief for dyspnea, but it does not address the potential cause, which in this case could be fluid overload.

Choice D reason : Changing the infusion to lactated Ringer's would not be appropriate if the client is experiencing symptoms of fluid overload. The type of fluid is less important than the volume and rate of administration in this scenario.

A. Press down on the orbital area of the eye. B. Pinch the trapezius muscle. C. Use a 25-gauge needle. D. Elicit a reflex with a reflex hammer.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Pressing down on the orbital area of the eye, known as the oculocephalic reflex or 'doll's eye' maneuver, is a method used to assess brainstem function in an unresponsive patient. However, this should be done with caution and is generally avoided if there is a suspicion of a neck injury or increased intracranial pressure.

Choice B reason: Pinching the trapezius muscle is a common method to elicit a response to painful stimuli. It is considered a less invasive and safer initial approach to assess the patient's response to pain without causing harm.

Choice C reason: Using a 25-gauge needle to elicit a response is not a standard practice and can be harmful. It poses a risk of skin puncture and infection, and it is not an appropriate method for assessing a patient's level of consciousness.

Choice D reason: Eliciting a reflex with a reflex hammer is used to assess the deep tendon reflexes, which can provide information about the integrity of the nervous system. However, it is not typically used as a method to elicit a response to painful stimuli in an unresponsive patient.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has a contusion of the brainstem and reports thirst. The client's urinary output was 4,000 mL over the past 24 hours. The nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following intravenous (IV) medications?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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