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
A) "This medication will not interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives": Rifampin is known to induce hepatic enzymes, which can accelerate the metabolism of oral contraceptives and reduce their effectiveness. Therefore, it is essential for clients taking rifampin to use alternative or additional contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy.
B) "You can continue to wear soft contact lenses while taking this medication": Rifampin can cause discoloration of bodily fluids, including tears, which may stain soft contact lenses. Therefore, clients taking rifampin should be advised to avoid wearing soft contact lenses during treatment to prevent discoloration and potential eye irritation.
C) "You should take this medication once each day at bedtime": Rifampin is usually taken once daily, but the specific timing may vary depending on the indication and healthcare provider's instructions. While taking rifampin at bedtime may be suitable for some clients, it is important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule provided by the healthcare provider.
D) "Your urine will turn orange while you are taking this medication": Rifampin can cause harmless discoloration of urine, tears, saliva, sweat, and other bodily fluids, turning them orange-red. This side effect is temporary and not harmful. However, informing the client about this potential effect is essential to prevent alarm or unnecessary concern.
Correct Answer is ["50"]
Explanation
Volume delivered per minute:
Flow rate (mL/hr) = 200 mL/hr (from previous steps)
Volume per minute (mL/min) = Flow rate (mL/hr) / 60 minutes/hour
Volume per minute (mL/min) = 200 mL/hr / 60 minutes/hour = 3.33 mL/min (round to two decimals for accuracy)
Convert volume per minute to gtt/min using the drop factor:
Drop factor = 15 gtt/mL
Volume per minute (mL/min) = 3.33 mL/min (rounded value)
Flow rate (gtt/min) = Volume per minute (mL/min) x Drop factor (gtt/mL)
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 3.33 mL/min x 15 gtt/mL
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 50 gtt/min (round to nearest whole number as requested)
Therefore, the nurse should set the manual IV infusion to deliver approximately 50 gtt/min.
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