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?
Blood pressure
Stroke volume
Cardiac output
Urine output
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Blood pressure is correct. Nitroprusside is a medication used to lower blood pressure in conditions such as hypertensive emergencies. It's titrated based on blood pressure readings, with the goal of achieving the desired target blood pressure range as directed by the healthcare provider. The nurse would monitor the client's blood pressure closely and adjust the infusion rate accordingly to achieve the prescribed blood pressure parameters.
Choice B Reason:
Stroke volume is incorrect. While stroke volume (the amount of blood ejected by the heart with each contraction) is important in assessing heart function, it's not directly used to titrate a nitroprusside infusion. Nitroprusside primarily acts as a vasodilator to reduce blood pressure, rather than affecting stroke volume.
Choice C Reason:
Cardiac output is incorrect. Cardiac output (the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute) is also a crucial measure of heart function, but adjusting a nitroprusside infusion based on cardiac output is not a common practice. Nitroprusside's primary action is to dilate blood vessels, impacting blood pressure regulation more directly than cardiac output.
Choice D Reason:
Urine output is incorrect. While urine output is an important indicator of renal function and overall fluid balance, it is not typically used as the main parameter for titrating nitroprusside. Nitroprusside's primary effect is on vasodilation and blood pressure control rather than directly impacting urine output.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
BUN 15 mg/dL (blood urea nitrogen) is incorrect. An elevated BUN level can indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration, but it's not typically associated with azathioprine's adverse effects. Azathioprine is known to affect bone marrow, leading to decreased blood cell counts, rather than directly impacting kidney function.
Choice B Reason:
WBC 3,000/mm³ (low white blood cell count) is correct. Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive medication used to treat various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. One of its known adverse effects is bone marrow suppression, which can lead to decreased production of blood cells, including white blood cells (WBCs). A low WBC count (leukopenia) can increase the risk of infections due to compromised immune function, making it an important adverse effect to monitor in individuals taking azathioprine.
Choice C Reason:
Hct 45% (hematocrit) is incorrect. A hematocrit of 45% is within the normal range for both men and women. Azathioprine adverse effects usually manifest as blood cell-related issues (such as leukopenia) rather than directly impacting hematocrit levels.
Choice D Reason:
Platelets 250,000/mm³: Platelets within the range of 150,000 to 400,000/mm³ are considered normal. Azathioprine typically affects white blood cells more prominently than platelet counts.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Ondansetron is incorrect. Ondansetron is an anti-nausea medication commonly used in cancer patients to manage nausea and vomiting, often caused by chemotherapy. It's not typically contraindicated or known to interact significantly with morphine administered via a PCA pump. This combination is often used to manage both pain and associated symptoms in cancer patients.
Choice B Reason:
Acetaminophen is incorrect. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that doesn't typically interact significantly with morphine administered via a PCA pump. It's often used concurrently with other pain medications to manage discomfort in cancer patients. There isn't a known significant interaction between acetaminophen and morphine when used appropriately.
Choice C Reason:
Nalbuphine is correct. Nalbuphine is an opioid analgesic, similar to morphine, and administering it concurrently with morphine could potentially lead to opioid overdose or increased risk of opioid-related side effects such as respiratory depression. Thus, it's crucial to clarify with the provider whether there might be a potential interaction or if both medications are indeed necessary in this specific clinical scenario.
Choice D Reason:
Insulin glargine is incorrect. Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. While its interaction with morphine isn't typically a concern, it's essential to monitor blood sugar levels closely in individuals receiving opioids like morphine, as opioids can affect glucose metabolism and may necessitate adjustments in insulin dosage.
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