What is mean arterial pressure (MAP)? a. The difference ...

[Diane]

What is mean arterial pressure (MAP)?
 
  a. The difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures
  b. An indicator of the tone of the arterial blood vessel walls
  c. The average pressure throughout each cycle of the heartbeat
  d. The product of the cardiac output and the peripheral vascular resistance

Question 2

Prior to the administration of a beta-adrenergic blocker, the nurse notes the patient to have a heart rate of 52 beats/min, peripheral edema, crackles in the bases of the lungs, and mottled skin. Which is the priority nursing action?
 
  a. Administer the medication as ordered.
  b. Reevaluate the patient in 20 minutes.
  c. Obtain a serum blood level.
  d. Withhold the medication and notify the health care provider.

[atrochim]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The MAP is the average pressure throughout each cycle of the heartbeat and is significant because it is the pressure that actually pushes the blood through the circulatory system. The difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures describes the pulse pressure. An indicator of the tone of the arterial blood vessel walls describes the pulse pressure. The product of the cardiac output and the peripheral vascular resistance describes the arterial blood pressure.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
These symptoms warrant the nurse's withholding the dose and then notifying the health care provider. The medication should not be administered if the patient's heart rate is low or the patient is experiencing symptoms of heart failure and poor perfusion. The patient should be assessed frequently after the medication is held and the health care provider is notified, but action needs to be taken immediately. Therapeutic blood levels for beta-adrenergic medications are not typically measured.

[Diane]

Excellent

[Sarahjh]

TYSM