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 C

Explanation

Heart rate: 72 beats per minute Stroke volume: 90 mL/contraction

Cardiac output = Heart rate × Stroke volume

Cardiac output = 72 beats/minute × 90 mL/contraction

To simplify the calculation, you can convert the units:

72 beats/minute × 90 mL/contraction = (72 × 90) beats/minute × mL/contraction

Now, perform the multiplication:

72 × 90 = 6,480

Therefore, the cardiac output is 6,480 mL per minute.

The correct answer is:

C. 6,480 mL

A. Insert two large-bore IV catheters. B. Provide oxygen at 100% per non-rebreather mask. C. Draw blood to type and crossmatch for transfusions. Initiate continuous D. electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Cool, clammy skin, tachycardia, and hypotension are signs of shock, indicating inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. The immediate priority is to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to the tissues. Providing oxygen at 100% via a non-rebreather mask helps increase the patient's oxygen saturation and improve tissue oxygenation.
While all the options mentioned are important in the management of a patient in shock, oxygenation takes priority as it directly addresses compromised tissue perfusion and oxygenation.
A. Inserting two large-bore IV catheters in (option A) is incorrect because: Establishing intravenous access is crucial for fluid resuscitation and administration of medications, but it can be done after ensuring adequate oxygenation.
C. Drawing blood to type and crossmatch for transfusions in (option C) is incorrect because Blood typing and crossmatching are important for potential blood transfusions but should not be the first action in this critical situation.
D. Initiating continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring in (option D) is incorrect because Continuous ECG monitoring is important for assessing cardiac rhythm and detecting any dysrhythmias, but ensuring oxygenation should be the initial priority.
Therefore, in a patient presenting with cool, clammy skin, tachycardia, and hypotension, the nurse should first provide oxygen at 100% via a non-rebreather mask to address inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

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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?