A nurse is caring for a client who has a contusion of the brainstem and reports thirst. The client's urinary output was 4,000 mL over the past 24 hours. The nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following intravenous (IV) medications?
Epinephrine
Furosemide
Nitroprusside
Desmopressin
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Epinephrine is primarily used in emergency situations for its vasoconstrictive and bronchodilatory effects, particularly in cases of anaphylaxis or cardiac arrest. It is not typically used to manage symptoms associated with brainstem contusions or to regulate urinary output.
Choice B reason: Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly prescribed to reduce fluid retention in conditions such as heart failure or renal disease. Given that the client has already produced a large volume of urine (4,000 mL in 24 hours, which is above the normal range of 800 to 2,000 milliliters per day), administering furosemide would not be appropriate as it would likely exacerbate the excessive urinary output.
Choice C reason: Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator used to treat acute hypertensive crises. It has no role in the management of thirst or regulation of urinary output and is not indicated for the treatment of brainstem contusions.
Choice D reason: Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. It is used to treat conditions characterized by excessive urination, such as diabetes insipidus, and to manage polyuria and polydipsia (excessive thirst) following head trauma or surgery in the pituitary region. In the context of a brainstem contusion with a reported high urinary output, desmopressin would be the appropriate medication to prescribe to reduce urine volume and address the client's thirst.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Glucose Dextrose Oral (GDO) is not typically used in the immediate management of anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis requires rapid treatment to address severe allergic reactions and GDO does not play a role in this emergency situation.
Choice B reason: Epinephrine (Adrenaline) is the first-line treatment for anaphylactic shock. It works quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat.
Choice C reason: Dexamethasone (Decadron) is a corticosteroid that may be used in the treatment of anaphylaxis to reduce inflammation. However, it is not the first medication administered due to its slower onset of action compared to epinephrine.
Choice D reason: 0.9% Normal Saline is used for intravenous fluid resuscitation in anaphylactic shock but is secondary to the administration of epinephrine. It helps to maintain blood pressure and is important in the overall management but not the first medication given.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pressing down on the orbital area of the eye is not a recommended method for eliciting a pain response due to the risk of causing injury to the eye.
Choice B reason: Pinching the trapezius muscle is a common and safe method to elicit a pain response in an unresponsive patient. It is less invasive and carries a lower risk of injury compared to other methods.
Choice C reason: Using a 25-gauge needle is not a standard practice for eliciting a pain response due to the risk of puncture and infection.
Choice D reason: Eliciting a reflex with a reflex hammer is used to assess neurological function, not to elicit a pain response in an unresponsive patient.
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