A patient in hypertensive emergency is being cared for in the ICU. The patient has become hypovolemic secondary to natriuresis. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?
A) Add sodium to the patient's IV fluid, as ordered.
B) Administer a vasoconstrictor, as ordered.
C) Promptly cease antihypertensive therapy.
D) Administer normal saline IV, as ordered.
Ans: D
Feedback:
If there is volume depletion secondary to natriuresis caused by the elevated BP, then volume replacement with normal saline can prevent large, sudden drops in BP when antihypertensive medications are administered. Sodium administration, cessation of antihypertensive therapy, and administration of vasoconstrictors are not normally indicated.
You might also like to view...
What should the nurse do to decrease the damage of bruxism seen in a patient who has been abusing the drug ecstasy?
a. Turn the patient to his right side b. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees c. Provide the patient with a pacifier d. Administer a muscle relaxant
The presence of Homans' sign may indicate:
1. increased venous return. 2. infection of the arteries. 3. interference in venous circulation. 4. deep vein thrombosis.
The nurse is reviewing the records of a client with astigmatism. Which visual changes should the nurse anticipate?
A. Double vision. B. Decreased field of vision. C. Inability to see things at a close range. D. Presence of floaters.
An acutely psychotic individual diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder at admission is im-mediately placed on daily doses of risperidone. A hospitalization of 8 days' duration has been authorized by the HMO
By what hospital day would the nurse expect to note that client was demonstrating beginning trust in the nurse and reduction in hallucinations and delusions? 1. Day of admission 2. Day 3 of hospitalization 3. Day 5 of hospitalization 4. Day 7 of hospitalization