Author Question: The nurse has administered prescribed IV mannitol (Osmitrol) to an unconscious patient. Which ... (Read 86 times)

genevieve1028 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse has administered prescribed IV mannitol (Osmitrol) to an unconscious patient. Which parameter should the nurse monitor to determine the medication's effectiveness?

a. Blood pressure
b. Oxygen saturation
c. Intracranial pressure
d. Hemoglobin and hematocrit

Question 2

Admission vital signs for a brain-injured patient are blood pressure 128/68, pulse 110, and respi-rations 26. Which set of vital signs, if taken 1 hour after admission, will be of most concern to the nurse?

a. Blood pressure 154/68, pulse 56, respira-tions 12
b. Blood pressure 134/72, pulse 90, respira-tions 32
c. Blood pressure 148/78, pulse 112, respira-tions 28
d. Blood pressure 110/70, pulse 120, respira-tions 30

blazinlyss · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic and will reduce cerebral edema and intracranial pressure. It may initially reduce hematocrit and increase blood pressure, but these are not the best parameters for evaluation of the effectiveness of the drug. Oxygen saturation will not directly improve as a re-sult of mannitol administration.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Systolic hypertension with widening pulse pressure, bradycardia, and respiratory changes repre-sent Cushing's triad. These findings indicate that the intracranial pressure (ICP) has increased, and brain herniation may be imminent unless immediate action is taken to reduce ICP. The other vital signs may indicate the need for changes in treatment, but they are not indicative of an im-mediately life-threatening process.