Vasopressors are used cautiously with critical care patients because they can cause
a. vasoconstriction of the smooth muscles.
b. vasodilation of the smooth muscles.
c. increased afterload of the heart.
d. decreased preload of the heart.
C
Vasopressors are not widely used in the treatment of critically ill cardiac patients because the dramatic increase in afterload is taxing to a damaged heart. Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone, has become popular in the critical care setting for its vasoconstrictive effects. At higher doses, vasopressin directly stimulates V1 receptors in vascular smooth muscle, resulting in vasoconstriction of capillaries and small arterioles.
You might also like to view...
The nurse assessing an elderly patient should consider that one normal aging change is:
A) Cloudy vision B) Incontinence C) Diminished reflexes D) Tremors
Mongolian spots, which commonly occur over the lumbar and sacral areas of the spine, buttocks, upper back, or shoulders in newborns of African, Latino, or Asian descent, are characterized by
a. a deep blue pigmentation. b. erythematous maculopapular lesions. c. inflammation of the epidermis and superficial dermis. d. ruddy skin color.
Before beginning a teaching-learning session with a patient, the nurse assesses the patient's behavior about learning. This nurse is implementing which of the following theories of learning?
a. Watson c. Skinner b. Pavlov d. Thorndike
A 5-year-old child asks the nurse what happens at the hospital in which the nurse works. Which of the following statements would be the most appropriate response for the nurse to give this child?
A) "Remember? It's where your mom came to get your baby brother." B) "People come there when they have a bad accident and we fix them." C) "Some people come here to have babies, or when they're sick or hurt, so we can try to help them get better." D) "It's like a big doctor's office."