After administering an inotropic medication to a patient in shock, the nurse monitors the patient for signs of:
Decreased cardiac output.
Increased afterload.
Increased cardiac output.
Slowing of the heart rate.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Decreased cardiac output: Inotropic medications are intended to improve cardiac function and increase cardiac output, so monitoring for signs of decreased cardiac output would be contrary to the expected therapeutic effect of these medications.
B. Increased afterload: Inotropic medications primarily affect the contractility of the heart muscle and do not typically have a direct effect on afterload (the force against which the heart must pump blood). While changes in afterload can occur as a secondary consequence of altered cardiac function, monitoring for signs of increased afterload would not be the primary focus after administering an inotropic medication.
C. Increased cardiac output.
Inotropic medications are drugs that affect the contractility of the heart muscle. They are often used in the management of shock to improve cardiac function and increase cardiac output. Therefore, after administering an inotropic medication, the nurse would monitor the patient for signs of increased cardiac output, such as improved peripheral perfusion, increased blood pressure, and resolution of signs and symptoms of shock.
D. Slowing of the heart rate: Inotropic medications can affect heart rate indirectly by altering cardiac output, but their primary effect is on contractility rather than heart rate. Monitoring for signs of bradycardia (slowing of the heart rate) may be appropriate in certain clinical situations, but it is not the primary consideration after administering an inotropic medication for shock.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Theophylline:
Theophylline is a bronchodilator medication that is used for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has a slower onset of action compared to short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol and is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations.
B) Montelukast:
Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms, but it is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. Its onset of action is slower compared to short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol.
C) Albuterol.
Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist bronchodilator commonly used as a first-line treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. It works by quickly relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, leading to rapid bronchodilation and improvement of airflow. This can help alleviate the patient's symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing.
D) Salmeterol:
Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator used for the maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD, but it is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. Its onset of action is slower compared to short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol, and it is not recommended for rapid relief of acute symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Cardiogenic shock:
Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, often due to myocardial infarction (heart attack) or other conditions affecting the heart's function. The client's history of a recent infection does not align with the etiology of cardiogenic shock.
B) Neurogenic shock:
Neurogenic shock occurs due to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, typically as a result of spinal cord injury or severe brain injury. It is characterized by widespread vasodilation and bradycardia. The client's history of a recent infection does not align with the etiology of neurogenic shock.
C) Hypovolemic shock:
Hypovolemic shock occurs due to a significant loss of blood volume, such as from trauma, hemorrhage, or dehydration. While infection can lead to fluid loss and dehydration in some cases, the client's history of a recent infection suggests a different etiology, specifically septic shock, which is driven by the systemic inflammatory response to infection.
D) Septic shock.
Septic shock is a type of distributive shock caused by a systemic response to infection. It occurs when an infection triggers a widespread inflammatory response, leading to vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, fluid loss from the bloodstream, and impaired tissue perfusion. The client's history of a recent infection suggests that the shock may be septic in nature.
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