After administering an inotropic medication to a patient in shock, the nurse monitors the patient for signs of:

Decreased cardiac output.

Increased afterload.

Increased cardiac output.

Slowing of the heart rate.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Decreased cardiac output: Inotropic medications are intended to improve cardiac function and increase cardiac output, so monitoring for signs of decreased cardiac output would be contrary to the expected therapeutic effect of these medications.

B. Increased afterload: Inotropic medications primarily affect the contractility of the heart muscle and do not typically have a direct effect on afterload (the force against which the heart must pump blood). While changes in afterload can occur as a secondary consequence of altered cardiac function, monitoring for signs of increased afterload would not be the primary focus after administering an inotropic medication.

C. Increased cardiac output.
Inotropic medications are drugs that affect the contractility of the heart muscle. They are often used in the management of shock to improve cardiac function and increase cardiac output. Therefore, after administering an inotropic medication, the nurse would monitor the patient for signs of increased cardiac output, such as improved peripheral perfusion, increased blood pressure, and resolution of signs and symptoms of shock.

D. Slowing of the heart rate: Inotropic medications can affect heart rate indirectly by altering cardiac output, but their primary effect is on contractility rather than heart rate. Monitoring for signs of bradycardia (slowing of the heart rate) may be appropriate in certain clinical situations, but it is not the primary consideration after administering an inotropic medication for shock.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Low-back pain:
Low-back pain is not a common manifestation of an allergic reaction to a blood transfusion. It may be associated with other conditions, such as musculoskeletal issues or renal complications, but it is not typically addressed by diphenhydramine administration during transfusion.

B) Fever:
While fever can occur as a manifestation of an adverse reaction to a blood transfusion, it is more commonly associated with non-allergic transfusion reactions such as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) or bacterial contamination of the blood product. Diphenhydramine is not specifically indicated for the prevention of fever during transfusion.

C) Dyspnea:
Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can occur as a manifestation of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis during a blood transfusion. However, diphenhydramine alone may not be sufficient to prevent or treat severe respiratory symptoms associated with anaphylaxis. In such cases, prompt medical intervention and administration of epinephrine may be necessary. Diphenhydramine primarily targets histamine-mediated symptoms such as urticaria and itching.

D) Urticaria.
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin reaction characterized by raised, itchy welts that can occur as a result of an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction. During a blood transfusion, if the recipient's immune system reacts to foreign proteins in the transfused blood, it can lead to an allergic reaction characterized by symptoms such as urticaria, itching, flushing, and sometimes more severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine medication that works by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the body during allergic reactions. By administering diphenhydramine before the blood transfusion, the nurse aims to prevent or minimize the occurrence of urticaria and other allergic symptoms.

A. Chronic diarrhea B. Chronic constipation C. Frequent vomiting D. Chronic nausea

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Chronic diarrhea: Overuse of laxatives is more likely to cause chronic constipation rather than chronic diarrhea. While some types of laxatives can lead to diarrhea as a side effect, chronic diarrhea is less common with laxative overuse compared to chronic constipation.

B. Chronic constipation
When the smooth muscle in the colon loses its tone due to overuse of laxatives, it can lead to chronic constipation. Laxatives work by stimulating bowel movements, but frequent or excessive use can lead to dependency and decreased natural bowel function. Over time, the colon may become less responsive to normal stimuli, resulting in difficulty passing stool and chronic constipation.

C. Frequent vomiting: Overuse of laxatives is not directly associated with frequent vomiting. Vomiting can occur as a result of various gastrointestinal issues, but it is not a typical consequence of laxative overuse.

D. Chronic nausea: While gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea may occur as a side effect of some laxatives, chronic nausea is not a common consequence of laxative overuse. It is more likely to result from other underlying medical conditions or gastrointestinal disturbances.

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After administering an inotropic medication to a patient in shock, the nurse monitors the patient for signs of:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer diphenhydramine to a client who is to receive a blood transfusion. The nurse should explain that the purpose of diphenhydramine is to prevent which of the following manifestations of a transfusion reaction?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Patients should be advised not to overuse laxatives, because the smooth muscle in the colon can lose its tone. What condition should the nurse warn, the client can occur if this happens?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse explains to the client the different ways to administer inhalation medications. Which administration technique should be included in the teach session? (Select All that Apply.)

A client has prescriptions for albuterol (Proventil HFA) and salmeterol (Serevent). Which instruction should the nurse provide for this client?

A client asks the nurse what ventilation is. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

Which instruction is most appropriate for a client who is prescribed pancrelipase (Cotazym)?

Which type of laxative causes peristalsis by irritating the bowel?

Decongestants should be used with caution in patients with which diagnoses? Select All that Apply.)

A nurse is assisting with the care of four clients who have peptic ulcer disease. The nurse should identify that misoprostol (Cytotec) is contraindicated for which of the following clients?

Classmates of a hospitalized child want to bring a gift for their friend. Which gift is the most appropriate for this child based on the known?