A patient who is hypotensive is receiving dopamine, an adrenergic agonist IV at the rate of 6 mcg/kg/min. Which intervention should the nurse implement when administering this medication?
Implement seizure precautions.
Monitor serum potassium frequently.
Ensure pump accuracy to prevent toxicity.
Encourage the patient to ambulate every hour.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because seizure precautions are not indicated for dopamine administration. Dopamine does not lower the seizure threshold or cause convulsions.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because monitoring serum potassium frequently is not necessary for dopamine administration. Dopamine does not affect potassium levels or cause hyperkalemia or hypokalemia.
Choice C reason: This is correct because ensuring pump accuracy to prevent toxicity is essential for dopamine administration. Dopamine is a potent vasoconstrictor that can cause tissue necrosis, gangrene, and hypertension if overdosed.
Choice D reason: Dopamine is given to hypotensive patients, meaning they may be weak, dizzy, or at risk of falls. Ambulating frequently could worsen hypotension and increase fall risk rather than help the patient. Instead, the nurse should monitor the patient’s hemodynamic status and ensure bed rest as needed until blood pressure stabilizes.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Keeping the bed in the lowest position and initiating seizure and fall precautions is not an immediate action for the nurse to take. Seizure and fall precautions are measures that prevent injury or harm to the client in case of a seizure or a fall. Seizure and fall precautions include lowering the bed, padding the side rails, removing any objects that may cause injury, and having suction and oxygen equipment ready. However, these precautions are not specific to the client's condition and do not address the underlying cause.
Choice B reason: Placing an indwelling urinary catheter and measuring strict intake and output is not an urgent action for the nurse to take. An indwelling urinary catheter is a tube that drains urine from the bladder into a collection bag. Measuring intake and output is a way of monitoring fluid balance and kidney function. However, these interventions are not essential for the client's condition and may increase the risk of infection or trauma.
Choice C reason: Maintaining elevated positioning of the dependent joints on affected side is not a relevant action for the nurse to take. Dependent joints are joints that are below the level of the heart, such as the ankles or wrists. Elevating dependent joints can help reduce swelling or pain by improving blood flow and drainage. However, this intervention is not related to the client's condition and does not improve neurological function.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B is correct because anxiety is the priority nursing problem for this client who starts to cry and states, "I just know I can't handle all the pain." Anxiety is a feeling of fear, nervousness, or apprehension that can interfere with coping and decision making. The nurse should assess the level and source of anxiety and provide emotional support and reassurance to the client. The nurse should also review the pain management techniques and explain the benefits and risks of different analgesic options.
Choice A is incorrect because knowledge deficit is not the priority nursing problem for this client who starts to cry and states, "I just know I can't handle all the pain." Knowledge deficit is a lack of information or understanding about a topic or situation that can affect learning and behavior. The nurse should evaluate the client's learning needs and provide appropriate education and resources, but this is not as urgent as addressing the client's anxiety.
Choice C is incorrect because pain intolerance is not the priority nursing problem for this client who starts to cry and states, "I just know I can't handle all the pain." Pain intolerance is an inability or unwillingness to endure pain that can affect quality of life and recovery. The nurse should assess the client's pain level and response to analgesics and adjust the pain management plan accordingly, but this is not as urgent as addressing the client's anxiety.
Choice D is incorrect because anticipatory grieving is not the priority nursing problem for this client who starts to cry and states, "I just know I can't handle all the pain." Anticipatory grieving is a process of mourning that occurs before an expected loss or death that can affect emotional and physical well-being. The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings and provide empathy and support, but this is not as urgent as addressing the client's anxiety.
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