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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Decreased respiratory rate is incorrect. Heparin administration and an elevated aPTT typically do not directly cause a decrease in respiratory rate. Respiratory rate changes might occur due to other factors such as respiratory conditions, pain, or medications affecting the respiratory center, but they are not commonly linked to heparin therapy.
Choice B Reason:
Increased blood pressure is incorrect. Heparin therapy and an elevated aPTT do not typically result in increased blood pressure. Heparin's primary effect is on preventing blood clotting, and while it can indirectly affect blood pressure by preventing clot formation, it doesn't typically cause a significant increase in blood pressure.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased temperature is incorrect. Heparin therapy and an elevated aPTT do not generally cause a decrease in body temperature. Changes in body temperature might occur due to various reasons such as infection, environmental factors, or certain medications, but they are not directly linked to heparin administration.
Choice D Reason:
Increased pulse rate is correct. An increased pulse rate can be an early indicator of bleeding or a potential side effect of heparin administration. Heparin's anticoagulant effect might predispose individuals to bleeding, so an increased pulse rate could indicate a response to potential bleeding complications rather than a direct effect of heparin itself.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Nausea is incorrect. Nausea is a common side effect of many medications, including antibiotics like amoxicillin. While it can be a side effect of an allergic reaction, it's also a general symptom that can occur due to various reasons, such as gastrointestinal upset or the direct effects of the antibiotic on the stomach lining. Nausea alone is less specific for indicating an allergic reaction compared to severe symptoms like laryngeal edema.
Choice B Reason:
Insomnia is incorrect. Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is not a typical manifestation of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin. Allergic reactions usually involve more immediate and visible symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Insomnia is not a common symptom associated with allergic responses to antibiotics.
Choice C Reason:
Laryngeal edema is correct. Laryngeal edema, or swelling of the larynx, is a serious symptom of an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. This severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening due to its potential to obstruct the airway, leading to breathing difficulties.
Choice D Reason:
Cardiac dysrhythmia is incorrect. While medications can sometimes affect heart rhythms, cardiac dysrhythmia is not a common symptom of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin. Allergic reactions tend to manifest with more immediate symptoms like skin reactions, respiratory issues, or swelling rather than primarily affecting the heart rhythm.

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