A nurse is assessing a patient who is receiving a nitroprusside ...

[captainjonesify]

A nurse is assessing a patient who is receiving a nitroprusside (Nipride) infusion to treat cardiogenic shock. Which finding indicates that the medication is effective?
 
  a. No new heart murmurs
  b. Decreased troponin level
  c. Warm, pink, and dry skin
  d. Blood pressure 92/40 mm Hg

Question 2

Norepinephrine (Levophed) has been prescribed for a patient who was admitted with dehydration and hypotension. Which patient data indicate that the nurse should consult with the health care provider before starting the norepinephrine?
 
  a. The patient's central venous pressure is 3 mm Hg.
  b. The patient is in sinus tachycardia at 120 beats/min.
  c. The patient is receiving low dose dopamine (Intropin).
  d. The patient has had no urine output since being admitted.

[welcom1000]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Warm, pink, and dry skin indicates that perfusion to tissues is improved. Since nitroprusside is a vasodilator, the blood pressure may be low even if the medication is effective. Absence of a heart murmur and a decrease in troponin level are not indicators of improvement in shock.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Adequate fluid administration is essential before administration of vasopressors to patients with hypovolemic shock. The patient's low central venous pressure indicates a need for more volume replacement. The other patient data are not contraindications to norepinephrine administration.

[captainjonesify]

TYSM

[parshano]

Gracias!