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 C
Explanation
Choice A: An adult client with a tracheal tube draining clear, pale red liquid drainage. This client should not be assessed last, as they may have a potential airway obstruction or infection. The tracheal tube drainage should be monitored for color, amount, and consistency, and suctioned as needed.
Choice B: An older client with dark red drainage on a postoperative dressing, but no drainage in the Hemovac. This client should not be assessed last, as they may have a potential hemorrhage or wound dehiscence. The postoperative dressing and Hemovac should be monitored for color, amount, and odor, and changed as needed.
Choice C: An adult client with no postoperative drainage in the Jackson-Pratt drain with the bulb compressed. This client can be assessed last, as they have no signs of complications or problems. The Jackson-Pratt drain is a closed suction device that collects fluid from a surgical site. The bulb should be compressed to create negative pressure and facilitate drainage.
Choice D: An older client with a distended abdomen and no drainage from the nasogastric tube. This client should not be assessed last, as they may have a potential bowel obstruction or perforation. The nasogastric tube is inserted through the nose into the stomach to decompress gas and fluid. The abdomen should be monitored for size, shape, and bowel sounds, and the nasogastric tube should be checked for patency and placement.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice B reason: Reviewing the hemoglobin to determine hemorrhage is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should first identify and correct the cause of bleeding, such as bladder distension or uterine atony, before checking for blood loss and anemia.
Choice C reason: Massaging the uterus to decrease atony is not indicated in this case, because the uterus is already firm. Massaging a firm uterus can cause overstimulation and pain.
Choice D reason: Increasing intravenous infusion is not the first action, because it may worsen bleeding by increasing blood pressure and diluting clotting factors. The nurse should first assess and manage bleeding before administering fluids or blood products as prescribed.
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