An arterial catheter is inserted in the right radial artery to monitor a patient's blood pressure. Which information obtained by the nurse indicates that a complication of arterial pressure monitoring may be occurring?
Allen's test is positive.
The mean arterial pressure (MAP) is 90 mm Hg.
The dicrotic notch is visible in the waveform.
The right hand is numb.
The Correct Answer is D
Arterial pressure monitoring involves the insertion of an arterial catheter, typically in the radial artery, to directly measure blood pressure. Complications can arise from this invasive procedure, and one potential complication is inadequate blood flow to the hand, leading to numbness or ischemia.
A. The Allen's test is positive in (option A) is incorrect because The Allen's test is performed before arterial catheter insertion to assess the collateral circulation of the hand. A positive Allen test indicates adequate collateral circulation, which is desirable before performing the procedure. However, it does not directly indicate a complication during or after arterial pressure monitoring.
B. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) is 90 mm Hg in (option B) is incorrect because The mean arterial pressure (MAP) represents the average pressure in the arterial system during one cardiac cycle. While changes in MAP can be significant for patient management, it does not specifically indicate a complication of arterial pressure monitoring.
C. The dicrotic notch visible in the waveform in (option C) is incorrect because The dicrotic notch represents the closure of the aortic valve and is a normal finding in arterial waveforms. Its presence does not indicate a complication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["18"]
Explanation
Step 1: Convert the patient's weight from pounds to kilograms. 130 pounds ÷ 2.205 (1 pound = 0.453592 kilograms) ≈ 58.97 kilograms
Step 2: Calculate the total dosage of Dobutamine required per hour based on the weight-specific dose. 2.5 mcg/kg/min × 58.97 kg = 147.425 mcg/min
Step 3: Calculate the infusion rate (mL/hr) using the concentration of Dobutamine in the prepared solution. The solution contains 250 mg of Dobutamine in 500 mL, which means there are 250,000 mcg of Dobutamine in 500 mL. To determine the mL/hr, divide the required dosage (147.425 mcg/min) by the amount of Dobutamine in 500 mL (250,000 mcg) and multiply by 500 mL (volume of the solution).
(147.425 mcg/min ÷ 250,000 mcg) × 500 mL ≈ 0.295 mL/min
To get the mL/hr, we convert the rate from minutes to hours (60 minutes = 1 hour):
0.295 mL/min × 60 min/hr ≈ 17.7 mL/hr
Round the answer to the nearest whole number:
Approximately 18 mL/hr of Dobutamine should be administered to the patient.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Assessing the patient's level of consciousness is a critical initial step in evaluating a patient with shock. Altered mental status or decreased level of consciousness can be indicative of inadequate cerebral perfusion and may require immediate interventions to address compromised brain function and ensure patient safety.
While all the options mentioned are important in the assessment and management of a patient in shock, checking the level of consciousness takes priority as it provides essential information about the patient's neurological status and helps guide further interventions.
A. Obtaining the blood pressure in (option A) is incorrect because Assessing blood pressure is crucial in evaluating a patient in shock, but it can be done in conjunction with checking the level of consciousness and other vital signs.
C. Administering oxygen in (option C) is incorrect because: Administering oxygen is important in managing shock, as tissue hypoxia is a key concern. However, it can be done simultaneously with assessing the level of consciousness and initiating other interventions.
D. Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) in (option D) is incorrect because While an ECG may provide valuable information about the patient's cardiac function, it is not the first priority in a patient with shock of unknown etiology. Assessing the level of consciousness and vital signs takes precedence.
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