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 C
Explanation
A) A client vomits after receiving an oral medication: While vomiting after medication administration should be documented in the client's medical record as it could indicate a ’otential adverse reaction or medication intolerance, it does not necessarily require an incident report unless there are unusual circumstances surrounding the event.
B) A client receives their meal tray 20 minutes before time: This situation does not require an incident report. It may be considered a minor deviation from the usual mealtime schedule, and no harm or adverse outcome is implied.
C) A client receives their insulin before scheduled time: This is the correct answer. Administering insulin before the scheduled time can pose significant risks to the client, potentially leading to hypoglycemia or other adverse effects. Such deviations from the prescribed administration time should be documented in an incident report to ensure appropriate investigation and prevention of recurrence.
D) A client experiences a seizure: While a client experiencing a seizure is a critical event that requires immediate nursing intervention and documentation, it does not typically warrant an incident report unless it occurs in unusual circumstances or if there are concerns about the client's safety or well-being during the seizur’.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Wear gloves when handling the medication: This is the correct action to take when preparing to administer a hazardous IV medication. Wearing gloves helps protect the nurse from direct contact with the medication, reducing the risk of exposure to potentially harmful substances.
B) Administer the medication in a negative pressure room: While some hazardous medications may require administration in a negative pressure room to prevent the spread of airborne contaminants, this is not a standard precaution for administering IV medications. Negative pressure rooms are typically used for airborne infection isolation rather than for medication administration.
C) Administer the medication while wearing protective footwear: While wearing appropriate footwear is important for general safety in healthcare settings, it is not specifically required for administering hazardous IV medications. Protective footwear may be necessary in certain situations, such as when handling biohazardous materials or when there is a risk of spills, but it is not directly related to IV medication administration.
D) Wear an N95 respiratory mask when administering the medication: While respiratory protection may be necessary when handling certain hazardous substances, such as those that produce airborne particles or aerosols, it is not typically required for administering IV medications. N95 masks are primarily used for respiratory protection in situations where there is a risk of inhaling airborne contaminants, such as infectious agents or hazardous chemicals.
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