An older patient with cardiogenic shock is cool and clammy. Hemodynamic monitoring indicates a high systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Which intervention should the nurse anticipate?
Increase the rate for the dopamine infusion.
Increase the rate for the sodium nitroprusside infusion.
Decrease the rate for the nitroglycerin infusion.
Decrease the rate for the 5% dextrose in normal saline infusion.
The Correct Answer is B
B. Sodium nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator used to reduce systemic vascular resistance and afterload, thereby improving cardiac output and tissue perfusion in cardiogenic shock. In this scenario, where the patient has cool and clammy skin with high SVR, indicating peripheral vasoconstriction,
increasing the rate of sodium nitroprusside infusion can help vasodilate peripheral vessels, reduce afterload, and improve tissue perfusion
A. Dopamine is a medication commonly used in the management of cardiogenic shock to increase cardiac output and systemic blood pressure. However, in this scenario where the patient is cool and clammy with high SVR, indicating vasoconstriction and potential peripheral hypoperfusion, increasing the rate of dopamine infusion may further increase systemic vascular resistance and exacerbate peripheral vasoconstriction. This can worsen tissue perfusion and exacerbate the patient's condition.
.
C. Nitroglycerin is another vasodilator commonly used in the management of cardiogenic shock to reduce preload and afterload, thereby improving cardiac output and tissue perfusion. However, decreasing the rate of nitroglycerin infusion may further exacerbate vasoconstriction and increase SVR, worsening tissue perfusion in this scenario. Therefore, decreasing the rate of nitroglycerin infusion is not indicated.
D. Intravenous fluids such as 5% dextrose in normal saline are typically administered to maintain adequate intravascular volume and perfusion pressure in shock states. However, decreasing the rate of intravenous fluid infusion may further decrease intravascular volume and preload, potentially exacerbating hypoperfusion and worsening the patient's condition. Therefore, decreasing the rate of intravenous fluid infusion is not indicated in this scenario.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Asystole represents the absence of electrical activity in the heart and is not amenable to defibrillation. Therefore, the RRT would continue cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with chest compressions and may administer medications or other interventions as indicated. This statement provides accurate information to the family about the patient's condition and the actions being taken by the RRT.
A. Defibrillation is not indicated for asystole. Asystole represents a flatline on the cardiac monitor, indicating the absence of electrical activity in the heart. Defibrillation is only effective for certain types of cardiac rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Therefore, the RRT would not use defibrillation for a patient in asystole.
B. It does not provide the family with information about the patient's condition or the actions being taken by the RRT. Moreover, excluding the family from the patient's care may cause additional distress and prevent them from being present to support their loved one during a critical situation.
C. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is performed to maintain blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs during cardiac arrest. However, it does not restore normal blood flow or circulation. The goal of CPR is to provide temporary support until advanced interventions can be initiated or until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is achieved.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Atropine is commonly used in the treatment of symptomatic bradycardia. It works by blocking vagal stimulation, leading to increased heart rate. Atropine is typically administered in doses of 0.5 to 1 mg every 3 to 5 minutes, up to a total dose of 3 mg, in patients with symptomatic bradycardia.
B. Sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for symptomatic bradycardia. It is primarily used in the management of metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, and certain drug overdoses. While sodium bicarbonate may be administered in specific situations during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), it is not the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia.
C. Magnesium sulfate is used in the treatment of certain arrhythmias, such as torsades de pointes and refractory ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia associated with hypomagnesemia. However, it is not the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia. Magnesium sulfate may be considered if there are specific indications such as torsades de pointes or suspected hypomagnesemia.
D. Epinephrine is commonly used in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols for cardiac arrest. It is not the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia. Epinephrine is primarily used during CPR to improve coronary and cerebral perfusion by increasing systemic vascular resistance and heart rate.
However, in the case of symptomatic bradycardia, atropine is typically preferred as the initial medication.
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