Author Question: A client is receiving norepinephrine (Levophed). The nurse knows vital signs must be continually ... (Read 23 times)

charchew · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client is receiving norepinephrine (Levophed). The nurse knows vital signs must be continually monitored to watch for which effect?

1. Hypertension
2. Bradypnea
3. Oliguria
4. Tachycardia

Question 2

The nurse is providing care to a client who is experiencing symptoms of life-threatening shock. Which drug does the nurse anticipate to administer to this client?

1. Corticosteroids
2. Epinephrine
3. Antihistamines
4. Calcium channel blockers

Chocorrol77 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

1

Rationale 1: Norepinephrine is a powerful vasoconstrictor; thus, continuous monitoring of blood pressure is required to prevent the development of hypertension.
Rationale 2:Norepinephrine (Levophed) activates alpha receptors causing vasoconstriction, which causes an increase in blood pressure, not slowed breathing.
Rationale 3:Norepinephrine (Levophed) activates alpha and beta receptors causing increased blood pressure, force of contraction, and cardiac output, not oliguria.
Rationale 4:Norepinephrine (Levophed) activates alpha and beta receptors causing increased blood pressure, force of contraction, and cardiac output. Reflect bradycardia occurs during the initial administration of the norepinephrine (Levophed).

Global Rationale: Norepinephrine is a powerful vasoconstrictor; thus, continuous monitoring of blood pressure is required to prevent the development of hypertension. Bradypnea, oliguria, and tachycardia are not typically monitored when a client is given norepinephrine.

Answer to Question 2

2

Rationale 1: Corticosteroids may be used to treat the symptoms of shock, but they do not work as quickly and with as much effect as epinephrine.
Rationale 2: Epinephrine is a drug of choice for acute anaphylactic shock because it can reverse many of the distressing symptoms within minutes.
Rationale 3: Antihistamines may be used to treat the symptoms of shock, but they do not work as quickly and with as much effect as epinephrine.
Rationale 4:Calcium channel blockers cause vasoconstriction. During shock, blood pressure is low. These drugs would cause the blood pressure to fall more.

Global Rationale: Two primary goals of shock management are to restore normal fluid volume and maintain adequate blood pressure. Epinephrine is a drug of choice for acute shock because it causes vasoconstriction and can rapidly relieve symptoms of bronchoconstriction .