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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: A heart rate of 60/min is within the normal range for an adult, and while it may be considered on the lower end, it is not in itself an indication to increase dopamine dosage. Dopamine is used to increase heart rate and cardiac output, but a rate of 60/min does not typically warrant an increase in dosage unless accompanied by other signs of inadequate perfusion.

Choice B reason: An oxygen saturation of 95% is within the normal range for arterial blood gases and is not an indication to increase dopamine dosage. Oxygen saturation reflects the percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the bloodstream occupied by oxygen.

Choice C reason: A blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg is considered low and can be an indication for increasing the dopamine dosage in a client with hypovolemic shock. Dopamine increases blood pressure by vasoconstriction and increasing cardiac output, which is critical in managing shock.

Choice D reason: A respiratory rate of 14/min is within the normal range for adults and is not an indication to increase dopamine dosage. The respiratory rate should be monitored for changes that could indicate worsening of the client's condition, but on its own, it does not dictate adjustments to dopamine therapy.

A. Epithelialization at the site B. Severe pain at the site C. Edema at the site D. Blistering at the site

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Epithelialization at the site of a major full-thickness burn would not be expected 12 hours post-injury. Epithelialization is a later stage of wound healing where new skin cells form and cover the wound. In full-thickness burns, this process is significantly delayed and typically requires skin grafting for wound closure.

Choice B reason: Severe pain is not typically associated with full-thickness burns due to the destruction of nerve endings in the skin. However, there may be severe pain in the surrounding areas that have sustained less severe burns.

Choice C reason: Edema is a common and expected finding at the site of a major full-thickness burn 12 hours post-injury. The inflammatory response to the burn injury leads to increased vascular permeability and fluid shift from the intravascular to the interstitial space, resulting in edema.

Choice D reason: Blistering is characteristic of partial-thickness burns (second-degree burns) but not full-thickness burns (third-degree burns). In full-thickness burns, the skin is destroyed to the point where blisters do not form.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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