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

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Extravasation: Extravasation, or the leaking of IV medication into surrounding tissues, is a potential complication of IV therapy. However, it does not indicate a need to increase the rate of dopamine infusion. Instead, the priority is to stop the infusion, assess the site for damage, and provide appropriate interventions to minimize tissue injury.

B) Hypotension: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a common indication for administering dopamine in septic shock to improve cardiac output and increase blood pressure. If the client's blood pressure remains low despite the’current rate of dopamine infusion, it may be necessary to increase the infusion rate to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and improve perfusion to vital organs. Therefore, hypotension is the correct finding that indicates the need to increase the rate of infusion.

C) Headache: While headache can occur as a side effect of dopamine infusion, it is not typically an indication to increase the infusion rate. Headache may warrant further assessment and management, but it does not directly correlate with the need for a higher dose of dopamine.

D) Chest pain: Chest pain may occur as a side effect of dopamine infusion or could be indicative of other cardiac or pulmonary issues. However, like headache, it is not a specific indicator for increasing the rate of dopamine infusion. Further assessment and appropriate interventions are needed to address chest pain, but it does not directly relate to the need for a higher infusion rate of dopamine.

A. Oxycodone inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. B. Oxycodone promotes vasodilation of cranial arteries. C. Oxycodone blocks the sodium channel suspending nerve conduction. D. Oxycodone causes central nervous system depression.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D) Oxycodone causes central nervous system depression: Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic that acts centrally on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. One of the most significant side effects of opioids like oxycodone is respiratory depression, which occurs due to the suppression of the CNS, particularly in the brainstem respiratory centers. The brainstem regulates respiratory rate and rhythm, and when opioids depress these centers, it can lead to decreased respiratory drive, resulting in a decrease in respiratory rate. A respiratory rate of 8/min is significantly below the normal range, indicating respiratory depression caused by oxycodone.

A) Oxycodone inhibits prostaglandin synthesis: Oxycodone does not directly inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins are lipid compounds with various physiological effects, including inflammation and pain modulation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, inhibit prostaglandin synthesis by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes. However, oxycodone primarily acts on opioid receptors in the CNS to relieve pain, rather than through prostaglandin inhibition.

B) Oxycodone promotes vasodilation of cranial arteries: While opioids can cause peripheral vasodilation, particularly in large doses, the primary mechanism of action of oxycodone is not through the promotion of vasodilation of cranial arteries. Vasodilation may occur as a side effect of opioid use, but it is not the primary cause of respiratory depression associated with oxycodone.

C) Oxycodone blocks the sodium channel suspending nerve conduction: This statement describes the mechanism of action of local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, which block sodium channels to inhibit nerve conduction. However, oxycodone is not a sodium channel blocker. Its analgesic effects result from binding to opioid receptors in the CNS, particularly mu-opioid receptors, rather than blocking sodium channels. Therefore, this option is not the pathophysiology for the respiratory rate of 8/min observed in the client receiving oxycodone.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has septic shock and is receiving dopamine by continuous IV infusion. Which of the following findings indicates that the nurse should increase the rate of infusion?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has received oxycodone. The nurse notes that the client's respiratory rate is 8/min. The nurse should identify that which of the following is the pathophysiology for the client's respiratory rate?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is planning care for a client who is experiencing opioid toxicity. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering?

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for carbamazepine for the treatment of seizures. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following adverse effects?

A nurse is assessing a client who has a prescription for cefaclor. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as an indication of an allergic reaction?

A nurse accidently administers metformin instead of metoprolol to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is preparing to administer propranolol to a client. Which of the following should the nurse assess prior to administering this medication?

A nurse is reviewing a client's medication administration record and f’nds digoxin was administered to the client with a heart rate of 58/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?