To evaluate the effectiveness of mannitol, the nurse should monitor:
Sodium level.
Fluid intake.
Heart rate.
Urine output.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Monitoring sodium levels is important when administering mannitol, but it is not the primary indicator of the drug's effectiveness. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce intracranial pressure, and its effectiveness is better assessed by other means.
Choice B reason:
Fluid intake is important to monitor to ensure proper hydration status, but it does not directly indicate the effectiveness of mannitol. The primary focus should be on the patient's output to assess the diuretic effect.
Choice C reason:
Heart rate monitoring is essential for overall patient care but does not directly indicate the effectiveness of mannitol. Changes in heart rate can occur due to various factors and are not specific to mannitol's action.
Choice D reason:
Urine output is the most direct measure of mannitol's effectiveness. As an osmotic diuretic, mannitol promotes diuresis, and increased urine output indicates that the drug is effectively reducing intracranial pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score that improves from 9 to 12 indicates a positive trend in the patient's neurological status. While monitoring is still required, this patient is not the highest priority.
Choice B reason:
A patient requesting pain medication for a new onset headache needs attention, but this is not as urgent as a significant decline in the Glasgow Coma Scale score, which can indicate a deterioration in neurological function.
Choice C reason:
A Glasgow Coma Scale score that drops from 10 to 8 signifies a significant decline in the patient's neurological status, indicating potential worsening of the condition. This patient requires immediate assessment and intervention to identify and address the cause of the deterioration.
Choice D reason:
A patient with a moderate brain injury who is amnesic for the event needs ongoing monitoring, but this is not as urgent as addressing a significant drop in the Glasgow Coma Scale score.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A decrease in specific gravity is not the primary therapeutic outcome of desmopressin in the treatment of diabetes insipidus. Desmopressin works by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys, which leads to a decrease in urine output and an increase in urine concentration, reflected by an increase, not a decrease, in specific gravity.
Choice B reason:
A decrease in the level of consciousness is not an intended therapeutic outcome and would be concerning if observed. Desmopressin aims to control symptoms of diabetes insipidus, not alter the patient’s mental status.
Choice C reason:
A decrease in urine output is the primary therapeutic outcome of desmopressin in a patient with diabetes insipidus. Desmopressin mimics the action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to increased water reabsorption in the kidneys and reduced urine volume.
Choice D reason:
Desmopressin does not primarily aim to decrease blood pressure. Its main effect is on water reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby reducing urine output. While it can have some impact on blood pressure, this is not its primary therapeutic outcome.
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