A patient who has a pulmonary artery catheter in place is to receive the drug nitroprusside (Nipride).The nurse would assess for which indicator of the drug's effectiveness?
A)Decreased systemic vascular resistance
B)Decreased cardiac output
C)Increased right atrial pressure
D)Increased pulmonary artery wedge pressure

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nitroprusside (Nipride) is a vasodilator that will increase peripheral blood flow and decrease systemic vascular resistance. This will lead to a decrease in blood pressure and improved cardiac output in patients with heart failure or hypertension. A decrease in systemic vascular resistance would be the best indicator of nitroprusside's effectiveness in improving cardiac function. The other options (B, C, and D) are not expected outcomes of nitroprusside therapy and may indicate worsening of the patient's condition.

A Patient Who Has a Pulmonary Artery Catheter in Place