A client who is hypotensive is receiving dopamine, an adrenergic agonist, intravenously (IV) at the rate of 8 mg/kg/min.
Which intervention should the nurse implement while administering this medication?
Initiate seizure precautions.
Assess pupillary response to light hourly.
Measure urinary output every hour.
Monitor serum potassium frequently.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While seizure precautions are important for clients receiving certain medications or with certain conditions, they are not typically necessary for clients receiving dopamine. Dopamine, an adrenergic agonist, does not typically increase the risk of seizures.
Choice B rationale
Assessing pupillary response to light hourly is not typically necessary for clients receiving dopamine. Dopamine does not typically affect pupillary response.
Choice C rationale
Measuring urinary output every hour is an important intervention for a client receiving dopamine. Dopamine at low to moderate doses can dilate renal blood vessels, which can increase urine output. Therefore, monitoring urinary output can help assess the effectiveness of the medication and the client’s renal perfusion.
Choice D rationale
While it is important to monitor electrolyte levels in clients receiving certain medications, frequent monitoring of serum potassium is not typically necessary for clients receiving dopamine. Dopamine does not typically affect serum potassium levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A firm crib mattress is crucial in reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Soft surfaces can conform to the infant’s face and potentially block their airway, leading to suffocation.
Choice B rationale
Propping the infant with a pillow when in a side-lying position is not recommended as it increases the risk of SIDS. Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep.
Choice C rationale
Swaddling the infant in a blanket for sleeping is not the most important measure to prevent SIDS. Overheating and loose bedding are risk factors for SIDS23.
Choice D rationale
Placing the infant in a prone position whenever possible is not recommended. Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS23.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is important in assessing overall physical health and detecting any potential neuromuscular disorders. However, in the context of a client with a history of heart failure and elevated potassium levels, this would not be the most critical intervention. High potassium levels can lead to hyperkalemia, which can cause serious heart rhythm disturbances.
Choice B rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine can provide valuable information about the client’s hydration status and kidney function. In the case of heart failure, monitoring urine output can help assess the effectiveness of diuretic therapy and the progression of the disease. However, it is not the most immediate concern given the client’s high potassium levels.
Choice C rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention in this scenario. A serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is higher than the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and can cause life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing the client’s heart rhythm to detect any abnormalities caused by this electrolyte imbalance.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can help identify changes in neuromuscular function and is often used in neurological assessments. However, it is not the most critical intervention in the context of elevated potassium levels and heart failure.
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