Critical Care Nursing Cardiac Questions Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Cardiac Questions related questions and content

Following surgery for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the patient’s central venous pressure (CVP) monitor indicates low pressures. Which action is a priority for the nurse to take?

  • A. Administer IV diuretic medications.
  • B. Increase the IV fluid infusion per protocol.
  • C. Document the CVP and continue to monitor.
  • D. Elevate the head of the patient's bed to 45 degrees.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increase the IV fluid infusion per protocol. Low CVP post-abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery could indicate hypovolemia, which requires fluid resuscitation. Increasing IV fluid infusion helps restore intravascular volume, improve tissue perfusion, and prevent hypotension. Administering diuretics (A) would worsen hypovolemia. Documenting (C) is important but not the priority when the patient needs immediate intervention. Elevating the head of the bed (D) may help with venous return but is not the priority over addressing hypovolemia.