A nurse is preparing to titrate a continuous nitroprusside infusion for a client. The nurse should plan to titrate the infusion according to which of the following assessments?
Stroke volume
Cardiac output
Urine output
Blood pressure
The Correct Answer is D
A) Stroke volume: Stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each contraction, and it's an essential parameter in assessing cardiac function. However, when titrating a nitroprusside infusion, the primary goal is to manage blood pressure rather than directly targeting stroke volume. Nitroprusside is primarily used as a vasodilator to lower blood pressure in hypertensive emergencies. While changes in blood pressure may indirectly affect stroke volume, blood pressure itself is the primary parameter for titration.
B) Cardiac output: Cardiac output, which is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, may be affected by nitroprusside due to its vasodilatory effects. However, like stroke volume, cardiac output is not typically the primary parameter for titrating a nitroprusside infusion. Blood pressure is a more direct indicator of the drug's effect on vascular tone and perfusion pressure.
C) Urine output: Monitoring urine output is crucial for assessing renal function and fluid status, but it is not the primary parameter used to titrate a nitroprusside infusion. While nitroprusside may affect renal blood flow and urine output indirectly, blood pressure remains the immediate indicator of the drug's hemodynamic effects.
D) Blood pressure: Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator commonly used to lower blood pressure in hypertensive emergencies. Therefore, the primary assessment parameter for titrating a nitroprusside infusion is blood pressure. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure frequently and adjust the infusion rate accordingly to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while avoiding hypotension or excessive lowering of blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B) Melena: Melena refers to black, tarry stools and is indicative of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, thereby prolonging the time it takes for blood to clot. While anticoagulation is intended to prevent thrombosis, it also increases the risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding. Melena is a concerning sign of significant bleeding and requires prompt medical attention. The nurse should prioritize reporting melena to the provider to facilitate further evaluation and management, which may include adjusting the warfarin dosage or investigating the underlying cause of the bleeding.
A) Hair loss: Hair loss, or alopecia, is a known side effect of warfarin but is generally not considered a priority finding compared to signs of active bleeding. While hair loss can be distressing for clients, it is typically not life-threatening and may resolve spontaneously or with discontinuation of the medication.
C) Abdominal cramping: Abdominal cramping can occur for various reasons, including gastrointestinal upset or other gastrointestinal issues, but it is not typically associated with warfarin use. While the nurse should assess and address the client's abdominal cramping, it is not as urgent as reporting signs of active bleeding such as melena.
D) Fever: Fever may indicate the presence of an infection or inflammatory process but is not directly related to warfarin therapy. However, if the fever is accompanied by signs of bleeding or other concerning symptoms, it should be reported to the provider for further evaluation. Nonetheless, in the absence of other significant symptoms, fever alone may not be as urgent as reporting melena, which suggests active bleeding.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Digoxin and levothyroxine: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation, while levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement medication used to treat hypothyroidism. While both medications have potential side effects, hearing loss is not typically associated with either digoxin or levothyroxine. Therefore, monitoring for hearing loss related to a medication interaction is not a priority for clients taking digoxin and levothyroxine.
B) Losartan and atorvastatin: Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used to treat hypertension, while atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels. Hearing loss is not a known side effect of either losartan or atorvastatin, nor is there evidence of an interaction between these medications that would increase the risk of hearing loss. Therefore, monitoring for hearing loss related to a medication interaction is not indicated for clients taking losartan and atorvastatin.
C) Propranolol and raloxifene: Propranolol is a beta-blocker used to treat hypertension, angina, and other cardiovascular conditions, while raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Neither propranolol nor raloxifene is associated with hearing loss as a common side effect. Additionally, there is no known interaction between propranolol and raloxifene that would increase the risk of hearing loss. Therefore, monitoring for hearing loss related to a medication interaction is not necessary for clients taking propranolol and raloxifene.
D) Furosemide and amikacin: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that is commonly used to treat fluid overload conditions such as heart failure and edema. Amikacin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Both furosemide and amikacin have the potential to cause ototoxicity, which can manifest as hearing loss or tinnitus. When administered concurrently, especially at higher doses or for prolonged durations, the risk of ototoxicity may increase due to additive or synergistic effects on the inner ear structures. Therefore, the nurse should monitor clients receiving both furosemide and amikacin for signs of hearing loss, such as changes in hearing acuity or tinnitus, and promptly report any concerns to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
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