A newly licensed nurse abruptly discontinues the intravenous (IV) norepinephrine (Levophed) once it has infused into the patient. What is the priority action of the more experienced nurse?

Question

1. Obtain an oxygen saturation reading with a pulse oximeter.
2. Notify the physician.
3. Assess the patient's blood pressure.
4. Administer oxygen via a rebreather mask.

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: There is no indication to obtain an oxygen saturation percentage at this point.
Rationale 2: The nurse will notify the physician, but the physician will want to know about the patient's condition.
Rationale 3: Discontinuation of vasopressor therapy is always gradual, due to the possibility of rebound hypotension and undesirable cardiac effects, so the nurse should immediately assess the patient's blood pressure. Rationale 4: There is no indication to administer oxygen at this point.
Global Rationale: Discontinuation of vasopressor therapy is always gradual, due to the possibility of rebound hypotension and undesirable cardiac effects, so the nurse should immediately assess the patient's blood pressure. The nurse will notify the physician, but the physician will want to know what the blood pressure is, so plan to assess blood pressure first. There is no indication to administer oxygen at this point. There is no indication to obtain an oxygen saturation percentage at this point.