A patient with liver failure and esophageal varices is prescribed to receive vasopressin. What should the nurse realize is the purpose for this medication?
a. To promote portal circulation
b. To reduce ammonia buildup and encephalopathy
c. To constrict vessels causing bleeding in esophageal varices
d. To maintain blood pressure in a patient with hypotension related to bleeding varices
ANS: C
Vasopressin is a vasoconstrictor and will reduce bleeding in varices. A. It reduces, and does not promote, circulation. D. It can maintain blood pressure, but that is not the primary reason it is given to patients with varices. B. It does not affect ammonia levels.
You might also like to view...
Areas of nursing that most obviously need to consider the needs of the family as well include: Standard Text: Select all that apply
1. Maternal-infant care 2. Pediatrics 3. Mental health 4. Surgical 5. Medical
Which are routes in which the anthrax bacterium may enter the body? (Select all that apply.)
a. Eyes b. Lungs c. Ears d. Skin e. Intestine f. Perineum
An intubated patient has been brought into the emergency room following a head injury due to an acceleration-deceleration motor vehicle accident. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is suspected
An appropriate nursing intervention would include which of the following? A) Keep the HOB flat at all times B) Teach the patient to perform the Valsalva maneuver C) Administer antipyretics on a PRN basis D) Perform endotracheal suctioning every hour
A nurse wants to become part of a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) but is concerned about maintaining licensure in several different states. What statement by the nursing supervisor best addresses these concerns?
a. "Deployed DMAT providers are federal employees, so their licenses are good in all 50 states." b. "The government has a program for quick licensure activation wherever you are deployed." c. "During a time of crisis, licensure issues would not be the government's priority concern." d. "If you are deployed, you will be issued a temporary license in the state in which you are working."