A nurse is caring for a client who has fluid volume excess and received furosemide 40 mg via intermittent IV bolus 1 hr ago. Which of the following findings indicates that the medication has been effective?

A. Intake and output: Monitoring intake and output is essential in the postoperative care of a client to assess fluid balance and kidney function. However, it is not the priority assessment when the client has received isoflurane in the PACU. The priority assessment in this situation is related to the potential cardiovascular side effect of isoflurane, which is hypotension. Hypotension can have immediate and significant implications for the client's perfusion and overall well-being, requiring prompt attention and intervention.

B. Non-verbal pain cues: Assessing for pain is important in the postoperative period to ensure adequate pain management and comfort for the client. However, it is not the priority assessment when the client has received isoflurane in the PACU. The priority assessment at this time is related to the potential cardiovascular impact of the anesthesia, which is blood pressure. Addressing hypotension takes precedence over pain assessment as it poses a more immediate threat to the client's well-being.

C. Bowel sounds: Assessing bowel sounds is part of a comprehensive postoperative assessment to monitor the return of bowel function after surgery. While it is important, it is not the priority assessment when the client has received isoflurane in the PACU. The priority assessment in this situation is related to the potential cardiovascular side effect of the anesthesia, which is blood pressure. Monitoring and managing hypotension is of greater concern in the immediate postoperative period.

D. Blood pressure: This is the correct answer. The priority assessment for a client who received isoflurane in the PACU is the blood pressure. Isoflurane is an inhalation anesthetic that can cause hypotension (low blood pressure). Monitoring the client's blood pressure is crucial to promptly identify and address any hypotension, as it can lead to inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Addressing blood pressure deviations is essential for the client's cardiovascular stability and overall recovery in the PACU.

To calculate the rate at which the IV pump should be set to deliver dopamine, we need to determine the total amount of dopamine in the infusion and divide it by the desired dose per minute.

Given:

Dopamine concentration: 400 mg in 250 mL

Desired dose: 5 mcg/kg/min

Patient weight: 220 lb

First, we need to convert the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms:

220 lb ÷ 2.2 = 100 kg

Next, we need to calculate the total amount of dopamine needed per minute:

5 mcg/kg/min × 100 kg = 500 mcg/min

Now, we need to convert the dopamine dose from mcg to mg:

500 mcg/min ÷ 1000 = 0.5 mg/min

To determine the infusion rate in mL/hr, we divide the dose in mg/min by the dopamine concentration in the infusion solution:

0.5 mg/min ÷ 250 mL = 0.002 mL/min

Finally, we convert the infusion rate from mL/min to mL/hr by multiplying by 60:

0.002 mL/min × 60 min = 0.12 mL/hr

Therefore, the nurse should set the IV pump to deliver 0.12 mL/hr.