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?
Blood pressure
Stroke volume
Cardiac output
Urine output
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Blood pressure is correct. Nitroprusside is a medication used to lower blood pressure in conditions such as hypertensive emergencies. It's titrated based on blood pressure readings, with the goal of achieving the desired target blood pressure range as directed by the healthcare provider. The nurse would monitor the client's blood pressure closely and adjust the infusion rate accordingly to achieve the prescribed blood pressure parameters.
Choice B Reason:
Stroke volume is incorrect. While stroke volume (the amount of blood ejected by the heart with each contraction) is important in assessing heart function, it's not directly used to titrate a nitroprusside infusion. Nitroprusside primarily acts as a vasodilator to reduce blood pressure, rather than affecting stroke volume.
Choice C Reason:
Cardiac output is incorrect. Cardiac output (the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute) is also a crucial measure of heart function, but adjusting a nitroprusside infusion based on cardiac output is not a common practice. Nitroprusside's primary action is to dilate blood vessels, impacting blood pressure regulation more directly than cardiac output.
Choice D Reason:
Urine output is incorrect. While urine output is an important indicator of renal function and overall fluid balance, it is not typically used as the main parameter for titrating nitroprusside. Nitroprusside's primary effect is on vasodilation and blood pressure control rather than directly impacting urine output.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"I should avoid drinking grapefruit juice." This statement is actually accurate. Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of certain statin medications, including lovastatin, leading to increased levels of the drug in the body. Advising against grapefruit juice consumption is a recommended precaution when taking lovastatin, so this statement shows the client's understanding of this interaction.
Choice B Reason:
"I am trying to decrease my dietary fat intake." This statement reflects a positive lifestyle change. Lowering dietary fat intake is often recommended for individuals on statin medications to help manage cholesterol levels. This statement demonstrates the client's commitment to making healthy dietary adjustments, which aligns with the treatment plan.
Choice B Reason:
"I was just diagnosed with hepatitis B. "Hepatitis B can affect liver function, and statin medications like lovastatin can potentially impact liver enzymes. Therefore, in someone with a history of hepatitis B, it's crucial to assess liver function before starting a statin and to monitor the liver during treatment. This statement raises concerns about potential liver complications or interactions that require further evaluation before initiating lovastatin.
Choice D Reason:
"I take metformin for my diabetes." Metformin, a medication for diabetes, does not directly interact with lovastatin. While it's relevant to know the client's other medications, this statement doesn't indicate a need for immediate further assessment regarding the use of lovastatin.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Remove duplicate medications of different dosages from the reconciliation is incorrect. Removing duplicate medications with different dosages from the reconciliation is indeed essential. However, the primary focus during transfer is to compare the current medication list with the new regimen to avoid omissions or discrepancies in the transition process.
Choice B Reason:
Compare the current list of medications to medications the client will receive after transform is correct. Comparing the current list of medications, the client is taking to the medications they are expected to receive after transfer is crucial for ensuring a seamless transition of care. This process helps identify discrepancies, potential interactions, or changes in the medication regimen between settings, ensuring the continuity and accuracy of medication administration.
Choice C Reason:
Omit over-the-counter medications from the at-home medication list is incorrect. Over-the-counter medications should ideally be included in the medication reconciliation process to provide a comprehensive overview of all medications the client is taking, including potential interactions with prescribed medications.
Choice D Reason:
Include medications the client received in the acute setting but will no longer need after transfer is incorrect. The reconciliation process should aim to update the medication list to reflect the client's current and future medication needs accurately. Including medications, the client received in the acute setting but won't need after transfer might introduce unnecessary medications into the new regimen. These should be communicated but not included in the ongoing medication list.
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