Author Question: A patient is receiving a drug that activates alpha1 receptors. Based on that mechanism of action, a ... (Read 56 times)

Pineappleeh · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient is receiving a drug that activates alpha1 receptors. Based on that mechanism of action, a nurse should assess for which of the following expected effects of the medication?

a. Mydriasis
b. Miosis
c. Hypertension
d. Decreased heart rate

Question 2

A nurse is preparing to hang intravenous dopamine (Intropin) for a patient with dysrhythmias in the intensive care unit. Which of the following would most concern the nurse?

a. The patient asks why the solution is brown.
b. The patient states that she is experiencing a little more urination than normal.
c. The patient has a triple lumen intrajugular central line.
d. The patient has the potential to become an intravenous drug user.

lou · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
An alpha1 response would result in mydriasis, or widening of the pupil, and would facilitate an eye exam.
Miosis describes pupillary constriction and is not a result of an alpha1-receptor response.
Hypertension is an adverse effect of alpha1 activation and therefore would not be an expected response.
A decreased heart rate would not be an expected response of an alpha1-receptor medication.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Dopamine should be discarded if the solution is not clear, as would be the case with most intravenous solutions. The potential for serious reactions exists if a tainted solution is administered. A nurse should always be aware of the reason for a change in the color of an intravenous solution, such as when multivitamin is added to the solution.
Dopamine is indicated to increase the patient's blood pressure, thereby increasing cardiac output, and an expected consequence of that effect would be an increase in urination.
Dopamine is administered intravenously in any of the various types of peripheral and central lines, therefore use of an intrajugular central line would not be a concern.
There is no risk of drug addiction to dopamine.