The nurse is caring for an elderly client who is receiving vasodilators as part of the treatment of shock. The alteration in care the nurse should plan for this client is to
A) ensure a patent Foley catheter.
B) keep the head of the bed flat.
C) provide oxygen by nasal cannula.
D) run IV fluids at a lower rate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vasodilators may be useful in shock when vasoconstriction is severe and persists even though fluids have been infused in what should be adequate amounts for fluid replacement. When the vascular system is full, vasodilators should open arterioles in the lungs and elsewhere. Hypotension may occur and clients should be kept relatively flat in bed. Older clients may have sclerotic blood vessels and may not tolerate any amount of hypotension. If this is the case, a cardiotonic drug may be added to the regimen.

The Nurse Is Caring for an Elderly Client Who Is