A patient who has neurogenic shock is receiving a dobutamine infusion through a right forearm IV. Which assessment finding obtained by the nurse indicates a need for immediate action?
The patient's IV infusion site is cool and pale.
The patient's extremities are warm and dry.
The patient's urine output is 28 ml, over the past hour.
The patient's heart rate is 58 beats/min.
The Correct Answer is A
A. In a patient receiving a dobutamine infusion, which is a vasopressor medication used to increase cardiac output, a cool and pale IV infusion site could indicate inadequate perfusion despite treatment. This finding requires immediate action to assess the patient's hemodynamic status and ensure adequate tissue perfusion.
B. Warm and dry extremities are typically indicative of adequate tissue perfusion. In neurogenic shock, vasodilation can lead to warm extremities due to decreased systemic vascular resistance. While this finding may be expected in neurogenic shock, it does not necessarily indicate a need for immediate action if other parameters are stable.
C. Decreased urine output can be indicative of inadequate renal perfusion and impaired kidney function. In a patient with neurogenic shock, maintaining adequate renal perfusion is crucial to prevent acute kidney injury. While decreased urine output warrants close monitoring and intervention, it may not require immediate action unless other signs of worsening perfusion are present.
D. A heart rate of 58 beats/min may be within the normal range for some patients, especially those who are receiving dobutamine, which can have a chronotropic effect. However, in the context of neurogenic shock, bradycardia may indicate a compensatory response to hypotension and decreased tissue perfusion. While bradycardia alone may not always require immediate action, it should prompt further assessment of the patient's hemodynamic status and response to treatment.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Chronic hypertension is a significant risk factor for the development of various cardiac diseases, including coronary artery disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, and arrhythmias. The increased workload on the heart caused by hypertension can lead to myocardial remodeling, impaired cardiac function, and ultimately heart disease.
B. Chronic hypertension can cause damage to the kidneys over time, leading to renal insufficiency or chronic kidney disease. The elevated blood pressure damages the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste products and regulate fluid and electrolyte balance. Persistent hypertension can ultimately lead to kidney dysfunction and renal failure.
C. Hypertension is a major risk factor for the development of stroke, particularly ischemic stroke (caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain) and hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding into the brain). Chronic hypertension can damage blood vessels in the brain, leading to the formation of blood clots or weakening of vessel walls, increasing the risk of stroke.
E. Chronic hypertension is a significant risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heart rhythm characterized by rapid and chaotic electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart (atria). The structural changes in the heart caused by hypertension, such as left atrial enlargement and fibrosis, can predispose individuals to atrial fibrillation.
D. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder characterized by high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. While chronic hypertension itself does not directly cause familial hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia are often comorbid conditions that contribute to cardiovascular risk. Both conditions can lead to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
F. Isolated systolic hypertension refers to elevated systolic blood pressure with normal diastolic blood pressure. While isolated systolic hypertension itself is a manifestation of hypertension, it is not a direct result of end-organ damage. However, if left untreated, isolated systolic hypertension can lead to complications such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease, which are consequences of end-organ damage from chronic hypertension.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D Sedatives are typically administered alongside neuromuscular blockers to ensure the patient's comfort and prevent awareness during mechanical ventilation.
A The absence of a cough reflex when suctioned is expected in a patient receiving cisatracurium (Nimbex) because it is a neuromuscular blocking agent that induces paralysis. Cisatracurium inhibits skeletal muscle movement, including the muscles involved in coughing.
B An oxygen saturation between 90% to 93% is within an acceptable range for a patient in this condition.
C The lack of response to voice may indicate that the patient is sedated or experiencing effects from the neuromuscular blocking agent. However, since the patient is receiving cisatracurium to prevent asynchronous breathing with the positive pressure ventilator, it's expected that the patient will not respond to voice due to the medication-induced paralysis.
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