A nurse is preparing to titrate a continuous nitroprusside infusion for a client. The nurse should plan to titrate the infusion according to which of the following assessments?
Stroke volume
Cardiac output
Urine output
Blood pressure
The Correct Answer is D
A) Stroke volume: Stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each contraction, and it's an essential parameter in assessing cardiac function. However, when titrating a nitroprusside infusion, the primary goal is to manage blood pressure rather than directly targeting stroke volume. Nitroprusside is primarily used as a vasodilator to lower blood pressure in hypertensive emergencies. While changes in blood pressure may indirectly affect stroke volume, blood pressure itself is the primary parameter for titration.
B) Cardiac output: Cardiac output, which is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, may be affected by nitroprusside due to its vasodilatory effects. However, like stroke volume, cardiac output is not typically the primary parameter for titrating a nitroprusside infusion. Blood pressure is a more direct indicator of the drug's effect on vascular tone and perfusion pressure.
C) Urine output: Monitoring urine output is crucial for assessing renal function and fluid status, but it is not the primary parameter used to titrate a nitroprusside infusion. While nitroprusside may affect renal blood flow and urine output indirectly, blood pressure remains the immediate indicator of the drug's hemodynamic effects.
D) Blood pressure: Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator commonly used to lower blood pressure in hypertensive emergencies. Therefore, the primary assessment parameter for titrating a nitroprusside infusion is blood pressure. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure frequently and adjust the infusion rate accordingly to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while avoiding hypotension or excessive lowering of blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D) Calcium: Calcium supplements can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine when taken concurrently. Levothyroxine absorption can be significantly reduced if taken with calcium-containing supplements or foods high in calcium. Therefore, clients should wait at least 4 hours after taking levothyroxine before consuming calcium supplements to ensure optimal absorption of the thyroid medication.
A) Zinc: Zinc supplements do not significantly interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. While zinc can bind to levothyroxine and potentially decrease its absorption, the effect is minimal compared to calcium. However, it is generally recommended to take zinc supplements at least 4 hours apart from levothyroxine to avoid any potential interaction.
B) Vitamin C: Vitamin C supplements do not interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine and can be taken concurrently without significant interactions. There is no need for clients to wait a specific amount of time between taking levothyroxine and vitamin C supplements.
C) Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba supplements have not been shown to have a significant impact on the absorption of levothyroxine. However, given the variability in individual responses to supplements, it is still prudent to separate the administration of levothyroxine and ginkgo biloba by at least 4 hours to minimize any potential interactions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Naloxone: This is the correct medication to anticipate administering for opioid toxicity. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that competitively blocks opioid receptors, reversing the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. Administering naloxone can quickly reverse the toxic effects of opioids and restore adequate ventilation and consciousness in the client.
B) Atropine: Atropine is not indicated for opioid toxicity. It is an anticholinergic medication used to treat bradycardia and to decrease respiratory secretions, but it does not reverse the effects of opioids.
C) Midazolam: Midazolam is a benzodiazepine medication used for sedation, anxiety reduction, and induction of anesthesia. While it may be used as an adjunct in the management of acute agitation or seizures, it is not the primary medication for reversing opioid toxicity.
D) Dexamethasone: Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid medication with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. It is not indicated for the treatment of opioid toxicity.
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