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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Theophylline:
Theophylline is a bronchodilator medication that is used for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has a slower onset of action compared to short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol and is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations.
B) Montelukast:
Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms, but it is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. Its onset of action is slower compared to short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol.
C) Albuterol.
Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist bronchodilator commonly used as a first-line treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. It works by quickly relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, leading to rapid bronchodilation and improvement of airflow. This can help alleviate the patient's symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing.
D) Salmeterol:
Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator used for the maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD, but it is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. Its onset of action is slower compared to short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol, and it is not recommended for rapid relief of acute symptoms.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This is normal.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant medication commonly used to help loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is a typical and expected response to the medication. Therefore, reassuring the client that this is a normal effect of the medication is appropriate.
B. This requires further investigation: Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is a common and expected outcome, so further investigation is not necessary unless there are other concerning symptoms or indications.
C. This is indicative of an allergic reaction: Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin is not indicative of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions to guaifenesin are rare and typically present with more severe symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
D. This means there is probably more pathology present: Coughing up phlegm after taking guaifenesin does not necessarily indicate the presence of additional pathology. Guaifenesin is intended to help clear mucus from the airways and is commonly used in the treatment of respiratory conditions associated with excess mucus production, such as cough due to cold or bronchitis.
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