You are the nurse caring for a child who is diagnosed with septic shock.He begins to develop an dysrhythmia and hemodynamic instability.Endotracheal intubation is necessary.The physician feels that cardiac arrest may soon develop.What drug do you anticipate the physician will order?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Epinephrine is the drug of choice in cardiac arrest situations with hemodynamic instability. It acts as a vasoconstrictor, which increases blood pressure and improves blood flow to vital organs. It also has inotropic effects, which can improve cardiac output. Atropine sulfate is used to treat bradycardia, not hemodynamic instability. Sodium bicarbonate is used to treat metabolic acidosis, but not directly related to cardiac arrest. Inotropic agents improve heart muscle contractility, but may not address the underlying cause of dysrhythmia and cardiac arrest.

You Are the Nurse Caring for a Child Who Is