An older patient with cardiogenic shock is cool and clammy. Hemodynamic monitoring indicates a high systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Which intervention should the nurse anticipate?
Increase the rate for the dopamine infusion.
Increase the rate for the sodium nitroprusside infusion.
Decrease the rate for the nitroglycerin infusion.
Decrease the rate for the 5% dextrose in normal saline infusion.
The Correct Answer is B
B. Sodium nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator used to reduce systemic vascular resistance and afterload, thereby improving cardiac output and tissue perfusion in cardiogenic shock. In this scenario, where the patient has cool and clammy skin with high SVR, indicating peripheral vasoconstriction,
increasing the rate of sodium nitroprusside infusion can help vasodilate peripheral vessels, reduce afterload, and improve tissue perfusion
A. Dopamine is a medication commonly used in the management of cardiogenic shock to increase cardiac output and systemic blood pressure. However, in this scenario where the patient is cool and clammy with high SVR, indicating vasoconstriction and potential peripheral hypoperfusion, increasing the rate of dopamine infusion may further increase systemic vascular resistance and exacerbate peripheral vasoconstriction. This can worsen tissue perfusion and exacerbate the patient's condition.
.
C. Nitroglycerin is another vasodilator commonly used in the management of cardiogenic shock to reduce preload and afterload, thereby improving cardiac output and tissue perfusion. However, decreasing the rate of nitroglycerin infusion may further exacerbate vasoconstriction and increase SVR, worsening tissue perfusion in this scenario. Therefore, decreasing the rate of nitroglycerin infusion is not indicated.
D. Intravenous fluids such as 5% dextrose in normal saline are typically administered to maintain adequate intravascular volume and perfusion pressure in shock states. However, decreasing the rate of intravenous fluid infusion may further decrease intravascular volume and preload, potentially exacerbating hypoperfusion and worsening the patient's condition. Therefore, decreasing the rate of intravenous fluid infusion is not indicated in this scenario.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
A. Administering antibiotics helps target the suspected infection and prevent its spread. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are typically initiated until the specific pathogen is identified through cultures. This action should be completed as soon as possible within the first hour.
D. Lactate measurement is important in assessing tissue perfusion and the severity of sepsis. Elevated lactate levels indicate tissue hypoperfusion and can help identify patients at higher risk of mortality. Monitoring lactate levels guides resuscitation efforts and helps in assessing the response to treatment.
E. Fluid resuscitation is a cornerstone in the management of sepsis. Administering a large volume of intravenous fluids helps restore intravascular volume, improve tissue perfusion, and prevent further organ dysfunction. The recommended initial fluid bolus is 30 ml/kg of crystalloid solution, such as normal saline, administered rapidly within the first few hours of recognition of sepsis.
F. Blood cultures help identify the causative organism(s) responsible for the sepsis. This information is crucial for guiding antibiotic therapy, especially in cases of severe sepsis or septic shock. Blood cultures should be obtained before initiating antibiotic therapy to maximize their sensitivity and specificity.
B. Type and cross-match for packed red blood cells (PRBCs) are indicated in situations where blood transfusion may be required, such as severe anemia or active bleeding. While sepsis can lead to various complications, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the priority in the first hour is resuscitation and antibiotic administration.
G. Obtaining a urine specimen may be indicated to assess for urinary tract infection (UTI), which can be a potential source of sepsis. However, in the initial management of sepsis, obtaining blood cultures (option F) takes precedence as blood cultures provide more critical information for guiding antibiotic therapy.
H. Obtaining a wound culture may help identify the specific pathogens present in the wound and guide antibiotic therapy if the wound is suspected to be the source of sepsis. However, in the first hour of managing sepsis, the priority is to initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics and obtain blood cultures, as these interventions are more urgent in preventing further complications from sepsis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is applied during mechanical ventilation to prevent alveolar collapse at the end of expiration. It helps maintain the patency of the alveoli, improving oxygenation and preventing atelectasis.
B. While PEEP can improve oxygenation by recruiting collapsed alveoli and increasing functional residual capacity, it does not directly affect the concentration of oxygen delivered by the ventilator. Oxygen concentration is adjusted separately from PEEP settings.
C. PEEP is applied at the end of expiration to maintain positive pressure in the airways and alveoli, preventing them from collapsing. It does not directly affect the delivery of air during inhalation.
D. PEEP can help prevent lung damage by maintaining alveolar recruitment and reducing the risk of atelectasis and barotrauma. However, it is not the sole factor in preventing lung damage, and other ventilator settings and strategies also play a role in protecting the lungs.
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