Critical Care Nursing Exam Questions Related

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The nurse is caring for a patient receiving continuous norepinephrine (Levophed) IV infusion. Which patient assessment finding indicates that the infusion rate may need to be adjusted?

  • A. Heart rate is 58 beats/minute.
  • B. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is 56 mm Hg.
  • C. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) is elevated.
  • D. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is low.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a low Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) indicates inadequate perfusion, which may require adjusting the norepinephrine infusion rate to increase blood pressure. A: A heart rate of 58 beats/minute is within a normal range and may not necessarily indicate a need for adjustment. C: Elevated Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) may be an expected response to norepinephrine and does not necessarily indicate a need for adjustment. D: A low Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP) may indicate fluid volume deficit but does not directly relate to the need for adjusting norepinephrine infusion rate.