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?

The correct answer is: c. Leave the light on in the room at night.

Choice A: Replace the IV catheter with a smaller gauge

Replacing the IV catheter with a smaller gauge is not directly addressing the issue of the client’s confusion and agitation. While a smaller gauge might be less irritating, it does not solve the problem of the client picking at the IV site. The pinkness at the IV site suggests mild irritation or early signs of phlebitis, which can be managed by monitoring and ensuring proper securement and care of the IV site.

Choice B: Apply soft bilateral wrist restraints

Applying wrist restraints should be a last resort due to the potential for causing distress, agitation, and physical harm to the patient. Restraints can lead to negative outcomes such as decreased circulation, pressure ulcers, and increased agitation, especially in patients with dementia. It is generally recommended to use less restrictive measures first.

Choice C: Leave the light on in the room at night

Leaving the light on in the room at night can help reduce confusion and agitation in patients with dementia, a phenomenon known as “sundowning.” Adequate lighting can help the patient feel more oriented and less anxious, which may reduce the likelihood of them picking at dressings and IV lines. This intervention directly addresses the patient’s nighttime confusion and agitation.

Choice D: Redress the abdominal incision

Redressing the abdominal incision is necessary to ensure the dressing is occlusive and to prevent infection. However, this action alone does not address the underlying issue of the patient’s confusion and agitation, which is causing them to pick at the dressing. While important, it should be part of a broader strategy to manage the patient’s behavior.

Choice C is correct because vitamin K can interfere with the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and increase the risk of clotting. The client should maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K from food sources, such as dark green leafy vegetables, to avoid fluctuations in the blood levels of warfarin.

Choice A is incorrect because increasing the intake of dark green leafy vegetables while taking warfarin can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin and increase the risk of clotting.

Choice B is incorrect because eating two servings of dark green leafy vegetables daily and continuing for 30 days after warfarin therapy is completed can cause unpredictable changes in the blood levels of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding or clotting.

Choice D is incorrect because avoiding any foods that contain any vitamin K while taking warfarin can increase the sensitivity to warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding.