A client who is hypotensive is receiving dopamine, an adrenergic agonist, IV at the rate of 8 mcg/kg/min. Which intervention should the nurse implement while administering this medication?

Choice A reason: Recommending the use of support stockings to enhance venous return is not a priority intervention for the nurse, as this does not address the underlying cause of the peripheral edema, which is fluid overload due to inadequate dialysis. This is a distractor choice.

Choice B reason: Ensuring the client receives frequent small meals containing complete proteins is a priority intervention for the nurse, as this can help improve the client's nutritional status and increase their serum albumin level, which can reduce fluid leakage into the interstitial spaces and decrease edema. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice C reason: Evaluating patency of the AV graft for resumption of hemodialysis is not a priority intervention for the nurse, as this is not feasible at this point since the AV graft is no longer available to use. This is another distractor choice.

Choice D reason: Instructing the client to continue to follow the prescribed rigid fluid restriction amounts is not a priority intervention for the nurse, as this does not address the root problem of inadequate dialysis and low serum albumin level, which are contributing to fluid overload and edema. This is another distractor choice.

Choice B reason: weight management is an important factor in preventing and controlling hypertension. Taking daily walks for thirty minutes can help reduce weight and lower blood pressure.

Choice C reason: salt substitutes can help with maintaining a healthy diet by reducing sodium intake. Sodium intake is associated with increased blood pressure and should be limited to less than 2,300 mg per day.

Choice E reason: sodium intake can be regulated by rinsing canned foods in water. Canned foods often contain high amounts of sodium as a preservative and rinsing them can remove some of the excess sodium.

Choice F reason: uncontrolled hypertension can lead to renal damage. Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels and impair the function of the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease or failure.

Choice A reason: alcohol consumption can produce vascular changes that increase blood pressure. Alcohol intake should be limited to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Choice D reason: blood pressure readings should not be taken at noontime. Blood pressure readings should be taken at the same time each day, preferably in the morning before breakfast or in the evening before dinner.