A nurse is caring for a client who is taking interferon. Which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?

A) Extravasation:
Extravasation of dopamine is a significant concern as it can cause tissue necrosis, but it requires immediate intervention to stop the infusion and treat the site, not an increase in the infusion rate. Increasing the rate of infusion in this case would worsen the extravasation and potential tissue damage.

B) Headache:
A headache can be a side effect of dopamine infusion, often related to vasoconstriction and hypertension. However, it is not an indicator to increase the infusion rate. Instead, the nurse might need to assess and manage the headache separately.

C) Hypotension:
Correct. Hypotension is a primary indication that the dopamine infusion rate should be increased. Dopamine is used to support blood pressure in patients with septic shock by increasing cardiac output and vasoconstriction. If the client's blood pressure remains low, it indicates that the current dose of dopamine is insufficient, and the rate should be titrated up to achieve the desired hemodynamic effect.

D) Chest pain:
Chest pain can be a serious side effect of dopamine, indicating potential myocardial ischemia due to increased cardiac workload and oxygen demand. If the client experiences chest pain, the nurse should not increase the infusion rate but should instead assess for signs of cardiac ischemia or infarction and notify the healthcare provider immediately.

A) Return the remaining medication to the facility's pharmacy: Returning the remaining medication to the pharmacy is not appropriate in this situation because the medication has been removed from its original packaging and administered to the patient. Once medication has been removed from its original packaging and administered, it cannot be returned to the pharmacy for reuse or storage due to contamination risks and potential medication errors.

B) Dispose of the remaining medication while another nurse observes: This is the correct action. Since the prescribed dose is only half of the tablet, the nurse should dispose of the remaining half of the tablet while another nurse observes, ensuring proper disposal and adherence to medication administration policies and procedures. This prevents errors in subsequent doses and ensures accurate medication administration.

C) Store the remaining half of the pill in the automated medication dispensing system: Storing the remaining half of the pill in the automated medication dispensing system is not appropriate because the medication has already been removed from its original packaging and administered to the patient. Storing half tablets in the automated dispensing system could lead to medication errors and confusion during future administrations.

D) Place the remaining half of the pill in the unit-dose package: Placing the remaining half of the pill in the unit-dose package is not appropriate because the medication has already been removed from its original packaging and administered to the patient. Placing half tablets back into the unit-dose package could lead to medication errors and confusion during future administrations.