The healthcare provider has prescribed intravenous (IV) lorazepam for the patient in status epilepticus. During administration, which is the priority assessment by the nurse?
Drug dependence
Cardiac rhythm
Pulse oximetry
Pain level
The Correct Answer is C
A. While drug dependence can be a concern with long-term use, it is not the immediate priority in an emergency setting where the goal is to stabilize the patient in status epilepticus.
B. Cardiac rhythm monitoring is important when administering certain medications, but lorazepam primarily affects the central nervous system and respiratory system, making oxygen saturation monitoring more critical.
C. Pulse oximetry is the priority assessment as IV lorazepam can depress the respiratory system, leading to hypoxia. Monitoring oxygen saturation helps ensure the patient maintains adequate respiratory function during administration.
D. Assessing pain is important in patient care, but it is not the priority in managing a patient in status epilepticus, where stabilization is essential.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Appetite changes are a possible side effect but are not as critical to report immediately.
B. Severe abdominal pain may indicate pancreatitis or liver issues, both serious side effects of valproic acid that require prompt medical attention.
C. Mild indigestion can be a common, non-serious side effect of valproic acid and does not typically require urgent attention.
D. Weight gain is another common side effect of valproic acid but does not necessitate immediate reporting unless it becomes significant.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, decreases the heart rate and reduces myocardial oxygen demand by lowering the workload on the heart, which is beneficial for managing unstable angina.
B. While metoprolol has some vasodilatory effects, its primary action is to reduce heart workload, not to dilate coronary arteries.
C. Although beta-blockers can reduce the risk of arrhythmias, the main purpose in angina management is to decrease cardiac workload.
D. Metoprolol does not make the heart beat more forcefully; instead, it decreases the force of contraction to reduce myocardial oxygen consumption.
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