Author Question: A 30-year-old pregnant woman has been prescribed oxytocin. When assessing the client's drug regimen, ... (Read 54 times)

leo leo · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A 30-year-old pregnant woman has been prescribed oxytocin. When assessing the client's drug regimen, the nurse understands that the client is taking vasopressors.

Which of the following risks is the client most susceptible to if oxytocin is administered along with vasopressors?

A) Anaphylactic shock
B) Hypertension
C) Respiratory failure
D) Heart attack

Question 2

A client receiving prescribed magnesium sulfate shows signs of dyspnea, tachycardia, and increased respiratory rate and rales. The nurse notices frothy sputum. Which of the following conditions should the nurse suspect?

A) Pulmonary edema
B) Water intoxication
C) Renal failure
D) Cardiac arrest

amandanbreshears · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
Combining oxytocin with vasopressor drugs increases the risk of severe hypertension. Combining oxytocin and vasopressors does not increase the risk of heart attack or respiratory failure. Anaphylactic shock is associated with a hypersensitivity reaction and does not occur with the interaction of vasopressors and oxytocin.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A
Feedback:
The client is most likely experiencing pulmonary edema. If there is an increase in respiratory rate of more than 20 respirations/min with the administration of magnesium sulfate, the nurse should assess the respiratory status for symptoms of pulmonary edema such as dyspnea, tachycardia, rales, and frothy sputum. In such cases, the primary health care provider is notified immediately because use of the drug may be discontinued or the dosage may be decreased. The danger of water intoxication is associated with oxytocin as it has an antidiuretic effect, and not with magnesium sulfate. Renal failure and cardiac arrest are not associated with magnesium sulfate.