A nurse recognizes that alterations in cardiac output are caused by changes in heart rate, preload, afterload, and contractility. Which interventions are correctly matched to treat the cause of low cardiac output? Select all that apply.
a) Low afterload: administer vasopressor.
b) Low afterload: administer vasodilator.
c) Low right atrial (R
Low afterload: administer vasopressor.
Low afterload: administer vasodilator.
Low right atrial (RA) pressure: administer diuretics.
Low preload: administer fluid bolus.
High preload: administer diuretic or vasodilator.
Correct Answer : D
Choice A reason: Administering a vasopressor is not appropriate for low afterload. Vasopressors are used to increase blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction, which increases afterload. However, the administration of a vasopressor for low afterload is contradictory because the goal for low afterload would be to reduce the strain on the heart, not to increase it.
Choice B reason: Administering a vasodilator for low afterload is not correct. Vasodilators decrease afterload by causing the blood vessels to widen, reducing the resistance the heart has to pump against. Administering a vasodilator to treat low afterload is inappropriate because it would further lower afterload, potentially leading to inadequate perfusion and worsening cardiac output.
Choice C reason: Administering diuretics for low right atrial (RA) pressure is inappropriate. Diuretics help to remove excess fluid from the body, reducing blood volume and venous pressure. However, if a patient has low right atrial pressure, reducing blood volume further with diuretics could exacerbate the issue, leading to decreased cardiac output and poor perfusion.
Choice D reason: Administering a fluid bolus is the correct intervention for low preload. Preload refers to the volume of blood in the ventricles at the end of diastole. If preload is low, administering fluids increases blood volume, which enhances ventricular filling and improves cardiac output. This intervention helps to stabilize hemodynamics and improve overall perfusion.
Choice E reason: Administering a diuretic or vasodilator is the appropriate intervention for high preload. High preload indicates an excess of blood volume returning to the heart, which can strain the cardiac muscle and reduce efficiency. Diuretics help remove excess fluid, while vasodilators decrease venous return and reduce the volume of blood the heart has to handle, thus optimizing cardiac function and output.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The arterial blood gas values pH 7.25, HCO3- 19 mEq/L, and PaCO2 30 mm Hg are indicative of metabolic acidosis, which is commonly seen in chronic kidney disease (CKD). In CKD, the kidneys lose their ability to excrete hydrogen ions and retain bicarbonate, leading to a decrease in blood pH (acidosis) and a reduction in bicarbonate (HCO3-). The PaCO2 value is slightly lower as a compensatory mechanism by the lungs to help balance the pH.
Choice B reason: The values pH 7.30, HCO3- 26 mEq/L, and PaCO2 50 mm Hg suggest a state of respiratory acidosis with partial metabolic compensation. This is not typically expected in chronic kidney disease. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is hypoventilation, leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. The bicarbonate (HCO3-) level is within the normal range, indicating that it is not the primary disorder in this context.
Choice C reason: The values pH 7.50, HCO3- 20 mEq/L, and PaCO2 32 mm Hg are consistent with respiratory alkalosis, where the pH is elevated due to hyperventilation leading to a loss of CO2. This condition is not typically associated with chronic kidney disease. The bicarbonate level is slightly below normal but not enough to indicate a significant metabolic disorder.
Choice D reason: The values pH 7.55, HCO3- 30 mEq/L, and PaCO2 31 mm Hg indicate metabolic alkalosis, which is characterized by an elevated pH and increased bicarbonate. This condition can occur due to excessive loss of acids (e.g., vomiting) or an increase in bicarbonate but is not typically expected in chronic kidney disease.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Suctioning the patient immediately is not the appropriate intervention in this context. Suctioning can be necessary if the patient has secretions obstructing the airway, but it does not address the issues of bradycardia (low heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure) which are critical in a spinal cord injury.
Choice B reason: Administering normal saline (NS) at 25 cc/hr is not sufficient to address the patient's hypotension. In a patient with a spinal cord injury at the T5 level, hypotension is likely due to neurogenic shock, and more aggressive fluid resuscitation or pharmacological support is needed.
Choice C reason: Raising the head of the bed is not appropriate for managing the patient's condition. In fact, keeping the head elevated can worsen hypotension by reducing venous return to the heart. The focus should be on stabilizing blood pressure and heart rate.
Choice D reason: The correct intervention is starting a dopamine IV drip. Dopamine is a vasopressor that helps increase blood pressure and heart rate, which is crucial in managing neurogenic shock. By administering dopamine, the nurse can help stabilize the patient's cardiovascular status and improve perfusion to vital organs.
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