When administering norepinephrine (Levophed), the nurse monitors the patient for:
Hypotension.
Liver failure
Bradycardia.
Hypertension
The Correct Answer is D
A. Hypotension: Norepinephrine is administered to treat hypotension, so monitoring for hypotension is not typically a concern while the patient is receiving this medication. In fact, hypotension is often the reason for administering norepinephrine in the first place.
B. Liver failure: Monitoring for signs of liver failure may be important in patients receiving certain medications, but it is not a specific consideration when administering norepinephrine. Norepinephrine primarily affects blood pressure regulation and does not typically have direct effects on liver function.
C. Bradycardia: While norepinephrine can increase blood pressure by constricting blood vessels, it may also cause reflex bradycardia (a decrease in heart rate) as a compensatory response. However, the primary concern with norepinephrine administration is hypertension, not bradycardia.
D. Hypertension
Norepinephrine (Levophed) is a vasopressor medication commonly used to treat hypotension and shock. It works by constricting blood vessels, which increases blood pressure. Therefore, when administering norepinephrine, the nurse should monitor the patient for hypertension, as the medication's intended effect is to raise blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Restlessness.
Restlessness is often one of the earliest signs of shock. It reflects the body's attempt to compensate for decreased tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery by increasing sympathetic nervous system activity. Restlessness may manifest as agitation, fidgeting, or an inability to sit still. It is an important clinical indicator that suggests impending hemodynamic instability and warrants prompt assessment and intervention.
B) Pale skin:
Pale skin is a common sign of shock, but it may not always be the earliest manifestation. Pale skin typically occurs later in the progression of shock as vasoconstriction occurs, redirecting blood flow away from the skin to vital organs in an attempt to maintain perfusion.
C) Complaints of thirst:
While complaints of thirst may indicate dehydration or fluid loss, they are not typically considered the earliest sign of shock. Thirst usually occurs after the body has already begun to experience fluid deficit and may not be apparent until shock is more advanced.
D) Complaints of nausea:
Nausea may occur in shock due to decreased perfusion to the gastrointestinal tract, but it is not usually the earliest sign. Nausea may develop as shock progresses and metabolic disturbances worsen, but it is often preceded by other symptoms such as restlessness or altered mental status.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Cardiogenic shock:
Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, often due to myocardial infarction (heart attack) or other conditions affecting the heart's function. The client's history of a recent infection does not align with the etiology of cardiogenic shock.
B) Neurogenic shock:
Neurogenic shock occurs due to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, typically as a result of spinal cord injury or severe brain injury. It is characterized by widespread vasodilation and bradycardia. The client's history of a recent infection does not align with the etiology of neurogenic shock.
C) Hypovolemic shock:
Hypovolemic shock occurs due to a significant loss of blood volume, such as from trauma, hemorrhage, or dehydration. While infection can lead to fluid loss and dehydration in some cases, the client's history of a recent infection suggests a different etiology, specifically septic shock, which is driven by the systemic inflammatory response to infection.
D) Septic shock.
Septic shock is a type of distributive shock caused by a systemic response to infection. It occurs when an infection triggers a widespread inflammatory response, leading to vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, fluid loss from the bloodstream, and impaired tissue perfusion. The client's history of a recent infection suggests that the shock may be septic in nature.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today