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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Obtain a blood pressure reading before the client gets out of bed. This is the most important intervention, as it can prevent or detect orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing position from lying to standing. Orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness, fainting, or falls, and it can be caused by medications, dehydration, or cardiac problems.
Choice B: Monitor and record the client's urinary output every day. This is not the most important intervention, as it does not address the client's anxiety or adjustment issues. The urinary output should be monitored for signs of fluid balance, kidney function, or infection, but it is not a priority for this client.
Choice C: Provide the client with teaching regarding a cardiac diet. This is not the most important intervention, as it does not address the client's anxiety or adjustment issues. The cardiac diet should be taught to promote heart health, lower cholesterol, and reduce sodium intake, but it is not a priority for this client.
Choice D: Assess the client's vital signs every 4 hours when awake. This is not the most important intervention, as it does not address the client's anxiety or adjustment issues. The vital signs should be assessed for signs of infection, pain, or hemodynamic instability, but they are not a priority for this client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Increasing oral fluids may help with hydration, but it will not reduce skin flushing caused by lisinopril. Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE. inhibitor that dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Flushing occurs due to increased blood flow to the skin.
Choice B: Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels and reduces chest pain caused by angina. It is not indicated for skin flushing caused by lisinopril. Moreover, nitroglycerin can lower blood pressure further and cause hypotension, headache, dizziness, and fainting.
Choice C: Going to an emergency department is not necessary for skin flushing caused by lisinopril. Flushing is not a sign of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which would require immediate medical attention. Flushing is also not a symptom of a heart attack or stroke, which would present with other signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, arm numbness, or slurred speech.
Choice D: Reassuring the client that facial flushing is a common side effect of lisinopril is the best action for the nurse to take. Flushing is not harmful or dangerous, and it usually subsides within a few hours. The nurse should explain the mechanism of action of lisinopril and its benefits for lowering blood pressure and preventing angina. The nurse should also advise the client to monitor his blood pressure regularly and report any signs of hypotension, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
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