A patient who is hypotensive is receiving dopamine, an adrenergic agonist IV at the rate of 6 mcg/kg/min. Which intervention should the nurse implement when administering this medication?
Implement seizure precautions.
Monitor serum potassium frequently.
Ensure pump accuracy to prevent toxicity.
Encourage the patient to ambulate every hour.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because seizure precautions are not indicated for dopamine administration. Dopamine does not lower the seizure threshold or cause convulsions.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because monitoring serum potassium frequently is not necessary for dopamine administration. Dopamine does not affect potassium levels or cause hyperkalemia or hypokalemia.
Choice C reason: This is correct because ensuring pump accuracy to prevent toxicity is essential for dopamine administration. Dopamine is a potent vasoconstrictor that can cause tissue necrosis, gangrene, and hypertension if overdosed.
Choice D reason: Dopamine is given to hypotensive patients, meaning they may be weak, dizzy, or at risk of falls. Ambulating frequently could worsen hypotension and increase fall risk rather than help the patient. Instead, the nurse should monitor the patient’s hemodynamic status and ensure bed rest as needed until blood pressure stabilizes.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Assessing pupillary response to light hourly is not related to dopamine administration. Dopamine does not affect the pupils or the cranial nerves that control them.
Choice B: Initiating seizure precautions is not necessary for a client receiving dopamine. Dopamine does not lower the seizure threshold or cause convulsions.
Choice C: Measuring urinary output every hour is an important intervention for a client receiving dopamine. Dopamine increases blood pressure and cardiac output, which improves renal perfusion and urine production. Urinary output is an indicator of the effectiveness of dopamine therapy and renal function.
Choice D: Monitoring serum potassium frequently is not directly related to dopamine administration. Dopamine does not affect potassium levels or cause hyperkalemia or hypokalemia. However, potassium levels may be affected by other factors such as fluid balance, renal function, and medications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Inspecting feet every month for ingrown nails, cuts, and calluses is not a statement that indicates understanding, as this is not frequent enough for a client with diabetes who may have impaired sensation and circulation in their feet. The recommended frequency is daily or at least weekly. This is an incorrect choice.
Choice B: Arranging diet schedule around three regular meals a day is not a statement that indicates understanding, as this may not be adequate for a client with diabetes who needs to balance their carbohydrate intake and blood glucose levels throughout the day. The recommended schedule is to have smaller and more frequent meals and snacks. This is another incorrect choice.
Choice C: Getting an eye examination with an ophthalmologist annually is a statement that indicates understanding, as this can help detect and prevent diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss and blindness. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice D: Using salt, herbs, and spices will improve the flavor of foods is not a statement that indicates understanding, as this may not be healthy for a client with diabetes who needs to limit their sodium intake and avoid potential interactions between herbs and medications. The recommended strategy is to use low-sodium seasonings and natural flavors. This is another incorrect choice.
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