A patient with neurogenic shock is demonstrating bradycardia. What action will the nurse take at this time?

Question

1. Limit patient movement.
2. Prepare to administer crystalloids.
3. Administer phenylephrine as prescribed.
4. Administer atropine as prescribed.

Answer 1

4
Rationale 1: Limiting movement will not correct bradycardia in the patient with neurogenic shock.
Rationale 2: Crystalloids are used to correct vasodilation.
Rationale 3: Phenylephrine is used in the patient with neurogenic shock to correct hypotension.
Rationale 4: Bradycardia in neurogenic shock is corrected by the administration of atropine at the dose of 0.5 to 1.0 mg intravenous every 5 minutes to a total dose of 3 mg.