The patient has uncontrolled intracranial pressure and now is receiving high-dose barbiturate therapy.The nursing management plan for this patient should include monitoring the patient for what complication?
A) Hypothermia
B) Hypotension
C) Myocardial depression
D) Dehydration

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypotension,the most common complication in barbiturate therapy,results from peripheral vasodilation and can be compounded in an already dehydrated patient who has received large doses of an osmotic diuretic in an attempt to control intracranial pressure.Myocardial depression results from cardiac muscle suppression and can be avoided by frequent monitoring of fluid status,cardiac output,and serum drug levels.

The Patient Has Uncontrolled Intracranial Pressure and Now Is Receiving