A nurse is preparing to administer a medication that will cause constriction of the arteries. The nurse expects that which vital sign parameter will be monitored most closely after administration of this medication?

Question

1. Respiratory rate
2. Blood pressure
3. Temperature
4. Pulse rate

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: The respiratory rate should be unaffected.
Rationale 2: If arteries constrict, their inside diameter will become smaller, and create more resistance and higher blood pressure.
Rationale 3: The temperature should be unaffected.
Rationale 4: The pulse rate is not the vital sign parameter that will be most affected.
Global Rationale: If arteries constrict, their inside diameter will become smaller, and create more resistance and higher blood pressure. The respiratory rate and temperature should be unaffected. The pulse rate is not the vital sign parameter that will be most affected.