The nurse is caring for a client who is in heart failure and weighs 176 pounds.

The client is to receive prescribed dobutamine 10 mcg/kg/minute.

The nurse has available 1,000 mg in 250 mL of 0.9% normal saline.

How many mL per hour should the nurse administer to the client?

Round answer to a whole number.

Choice A rationale

Magnesium and bilateral lower extremity ultrasounds are not primary diagnostic tests for hypertension-related target organ damage. Magnesium levels do not directly correlate with hypertension complications, and lower extremity ultrasounds mainly evaluate vascular issues, such as deep vein thrombosis, rather than organs affected by chronic hypertension.

Choice B rationale

Urinalysis assesses kidney function by detecting proteinuria, an indicator of renal damage due to hypertension. Blood chemistry provides electrolytes and renal function metrics, like creatinine (normal range: 0.6–1.2 mg/dL). A 12-lead ECG identifies left ventricular hypertrophy or arrhythmias linked to cardiac strain from persistent high blood pressure, a common sign of target organ damage.

Choice C rationale

Complete blood count evaluates overall health but does not specifically target organ damage related to hypertension. Electroencephalogram measures brain activity and is more relevant for neurological conditions, such as seizures, not complications from high blood pressure.

Choice D rationale

Troponin evaluates myocardial injury in acute settings like myocardial infarction, unrelated to chronic hypertension-induced organ damage. Calcium levels and partial thromboplastin time assess coagulation and bone health but do not directly indicate target organ involvement in hypertension.

Choice A rationale

Waiting one month before reevaluating blood pressure may overlook potential adherence issues or medication effects. Hypertension requires timely intervention because consistently high values can lead to complications such as stroke or heart attack. The readings of 145/92 mm Hg and 150/89 mm Hg are above the normal range (<120/80 mm Hg), necessitating immediate review of possible contributing factors rather than postponing evaluation.

Choice B rationale

Adherence to lifestyle modifications and prescribed therapies directly affects blood pressure control. Factors such as diet, exercise, and medication compliance significantly influence systolic and diastolic values. Poor adherence can lead to inadequate control of hypertension, which is evident in the readings of 145/92 mm Hg and 150/89 mm Hg. Exploring adherence helps identify reasons for high readings and can guide targeted interventions.

Choice C rationale

Increasing medication dosage without first reviewing adherence overlooks potential causes of suboptimal control such as missed doses, incorrect timing, or lifestyle factors. Adjusting doses may lead to overtreatment, causing complications like hypotension. Addressing adherence first ensures interventions are appropriate and prevents unnecessary medication changes.

Choice D rationale

Adding a calcium-channel blocker involves modifying therapy without investigating adherence to current medications and lifestyle changes. Such an approach risks complicating the treatment plan unnecessarily. It is scientifically prudent to first evaluate the effectiveness of existing treatments through adherence assessments, ensuring interventions are tailored to the individual's needs.