The nurse is caring for a patient receiving a continuous norepinephrine (Levophed) IV infusion. Which patient assessment information indicates that the infusion rate may be too high?

Mean arterial pressure is 55 mm Hg.

Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) is elevated.

Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is low.

Heart rate is 58 beats/min.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Norepinephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor and inotropic agent commonly used to increase blood pressure in cases of hypotension or shock. However, if the infusion rate is too high, it can lead to excessive vasoconstriction and potentially compromise organ perfusion.
A heart rate of 58 beats/min suggests bradycardia, which can be an indication of excessive vasoconstriction caused by a high dose or rate of norepinephrine infusion. Excessive vasoconstriction can reduce cardiac output and worsen tissue perfusion.
A. Mean arterial pressure is 55 mm Hg in (option A) is incorrect because A mean arterial pressure of 55 mm Hg may be within an acceptable range for a patient receiving norepinephrine infusion, depending on the patient's baseline blood pressure and clinical condition.
B. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) is elevated in (option B) is incorrect because An elevated SVR indicates increased peripheral vascular resistance and can be a desired effect of norepinephrine infusion to improve blood pressure and perfusion.
C. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is low in (option C) which is incorrect because A low PAWP may indicate decreased left ventricular preload, which can be a desired effect of norepinephrine infusion to reduce fluid overload in certain clinical conditions.
It is important for the nurse to carefully monitor the patient's hemodynamic parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate, and organ perfusion when titrating norepinephrine infusion to ensure optimal dosing and minimize potential adverse effects. If concerns arise regarding the infusion rate, the healthcare provider should be promptly notified for further evaluation and adjustment of the treatment plan.

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Correct Answer is ["9"]

Explanation

Doseinmcg/min=2mcg/kg/min×60kg=120mcg/min

Convert this to mg/min since the concentration is in mg:

120mcg/min=0.12mg/min120 \text{ mcg/min} = 0.12 \text{ mg/min}120mcg/min=0.12mg/min
Determine the concentration of Dopamine:
- Total amount of Dopamine: 200 mg in 250 mL of saline
- Concentration:
Concentration=200mg250mL=0.8mg/mL\text{Concentration} = \frac{200 \text{ mg}}{250 \text{ mL}} = 0.8 \text{ mg/mL}Concentration=250mL200mg=0.8mg/mL
Calculate the pump rate in mL/min:

To find the rate in mL/min needed to deliver 0.12 mg/min:

Pumprate=Desireddose(mg/min)Concentration(mg/mL)\text{Pump rate} = \frac{\text{Desired dose (mg/min)}}{\text{Concentration (mg/mL)}}Pumprate=Concentration(mg/mL)Desireddose(mg/min)

Pumprate=0.12mg/min0.8mg/mL=0.15mL/min\text{Pump rate} = \frac{0.12 \text{ mg/min}}{0.8 \text{ mg/mL}} = 0.15 \text{ mL/min}Pumprate=0.8mg/mL0.12mg/min=0.15mL/min
Convert the pump rate to mL/hour:

Multiply by 60 to convert from mL/min to mL/hour:

Pumprate=0.15mL/min×60min/hour=9mL/hour\text{Pump rate} = 0.15 \text{ mL/min} \times 60 \text{ min/hour} = 9 \text{ mL/hour}Pumprate=0.15mL/min×60min/hour=9mL/hour

So, you should set the pump to deliver Dopamine at a rate of 9 mL/hour.

A. Print a 1-minute electrocardiogram (ECG) strip and count the number of QRS complexes. B. Calculate the number of small squares between one QRS complex and the next and divide it into 1500. C. Use the 3-second markers to count the number of QRS complexes in 6 seconds and multiply by 10. D. Count the number of large squares in the R-R interval and divide by 300.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This method, known as the 6-second method, involves counting the number of QRS complexes in a 6-second interval on the electrocardiogram (ECG) strip and then multiplying that number by 10 to calculate the heart rate per minute. The advantage of this method is that it provides a relatively quick estimate of the heart rate.
A. Printing a 1-minute ECG strip and counting the number of QRS complexes in (option A) is incorrect because it can be time-consuming and may not be practical in situations where a quick estimate is needed.
B. Calculating the number of small squares between one QRS complex and the next and dividing into 1500 in (option B) is incorrect because it is a method used to calculate heart rate, known as the "1500 method," but it is not as quick as the 6-second method and requires more time and measurement precision.
D. Counting the number of large squares in the R-R interval and dividing by 300 is another method used to calculate heart rate, known as the "300 method," but it is also less quick and less accurate for assessing heart rate in patients with regular rhythms.
It's important to note that if the heart rhythm is irregular, these methods may not provide an accurate estimate of the heart rate, and a longer monitoring period or a different approach may be necessary.

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The nurse is caring for a patient receiving a continuous norepinephrine (Levophed) IV infusion. Which patient assessment information indicates that the infusion rate may be too high?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Ordered: Dopamine2mcg/kg/min In Stock: 200mg in 250mL Saline Patients weight: 60kg What rate would you set the pump to deliver the ordered medication? (Document to the nearest whole number)

Correct Answer is ["9"]

Explanation

The nurse needs to estimate quickly the heart rate of a patient with a regular heart rhythm. Which method will be best to use?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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