The nurse is assessing a client who is receiving a nitroprusside infusion to treat cardiogenic shock. Which of the following findings indicates that the medication is effective?
A)No heart murmur is audible.
B)Skin is warm and dry.
C)Troponin level is decreased.
D)Blood pressure is 90/40 mm Hg.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Warm dry skin indicates that perfusion to tissues is improved. Since nitroprusside is a vasodilator, the blood pressure may be low even if the medication is effective. Absence of a heart murmur and a decrease in troponin level are not indicators of improvement in shock.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Client Who Is Receiving a Nitroprusside