What is the fastest route for medication administration?

Choice A reason: Vasoconstriction is the desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context. Phenylephrine is a medication that stimulates the alpha1 receptors on the blood vessels, causing them to constrict or narrow. This increases the resistance to blood flow and raises the blood pressure. Phenylephrine is used as a vasopressor to treat hypotension, which is a condition of low blood pressure that can cause dizziness, fainting, or organ damage. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure and the peripheral pulses of the patient after administering phenylephrine.

Choice B reason: Bronchodilation is not the desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context. Phenylephrine is a medication that stimulates the alpha1 receptors on the blood vessels, causing them to constrict or narrow. It has no effect on the beta2 receptors on the bronchial smooth muscle, which are responsible for bronchodilation or widening of the airways. Phenylephrine is not used to treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, that cause bronchoconstriction or narrowing of the airways. The nurse should assess the respiratory rate and the breath sounds of the patient after administering phenylephrine.

Choice C reason: Diuresis is not the desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context. Phenylephrine is a medication that stimulates the alpha1 receptors on the blood vessels, causing them to constrict or narrow. It has no effect on the kidney function or the urine output. Phenylephrine is not used to treat fluid retention or edema, which are conditions of excess fluid in the body that can cause swelling, weight gain, or heart failure. The nurse should measure the urine output and the specific gravity of the patient after administering phenylephrine.

Choice D reason: Decreased heart rate is not the desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context. Phenylephrine is a medication that stimulates the alpha1 receptors on the blood vessels, causing them to constrict or narrow. It has little or no effect on the beta1 receptors on the heart, which are responsible for increasing the heart rate and the contractility. Phenylephrine may actually cause a reflex bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate that occurs when the baroreceptors in the blood vessels sense an increase in blood pressure and send signals to the brain to lower the heart rate. Phenylephrine is not used to treat tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate that can cause palpitations, chest pain, or arrhythmias. The nurse should monitor the electrocardiogram and the heart rate of the patient after administering phenylephrine.

Choice A reason: Advise the client to avoid highfiber foods with the medication is not an appropriate intervention for a nurse to perform prior to administering Lasix to a client with heart failure. Lasix is a medication that increases the urine output and lowers the blood pressure by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidney. Lasix does not interact with highfiber foods or affect the digestion directly. Highfiber foods can actually help prevent or treat constipation, which can be a side effect of Lasix. The nurse should encourage the client to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, unless they have any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Choice B reason: Encourage the client to consume a potassium rich diet is not an appropriate intervention for a nurse to perform prior to administering Lasix to a client with heart failure. Lasix is a medication that increases the urine output and lowers the blood pressure by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidney. Lasix can also cause the loss of potassium in the urine, which can lead to hypokalemia, a condition that causes muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, or cardiac arrest. The nurse should monitor the serum potassium level and administer potassium supplements or potassiumsparing diuretics as prescribed to prevent hypokalemia. Consuming a potassium rich diet may not be sufficient or safe to correct the potassium imbalance caused by Lasix, especially in clients with kidney impairment or other medications that affect the potassium level.

Choice C reason: Assess the client’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation is the most appropriate intervention for a nurse to perform prior to administering Lasix to a client with heart failure. Lasix is a medication that increases the urine output and lowers the blood pressure by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidney. Lasix can help reduce the fluid overload and congestion in the lungs, which can cause shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and low oxygen levels in clients with heart failure. The nurse should assess the client’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation to evaluate the severity of the pulmonary edema and the effectiveness of the Lasix therapy. The nurse should also monitor the client’s vital signs, fluid intake and output, and weight to ensure adequate fluid balance and hemodynamic stability.

Choice D reason: Instruct the client to increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration is not an appropriate intervention for a nurse to perform prior to administering Lasix to a client with heart failure. Lasix is a medication that increases the urine output and lowers the blood pressure by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidney. Lasix can cause dehydration, which can lead to symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, and fatigue. However, increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration can worsen the fluid overload and congestion in the lungs, which can cause shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and low oxygen levels in clients with heart failure. The nurse should advise the client to drink enough fluids to maintain hydration, but not to exceed the prescribed fluid restriction, which is usually around 1.52 liters per day. The nurse should also educate the client about the signs and symptoms of dehydration and fluid overload, and when to seek medical attention.