Critical Care Nursing Questions Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Questions related questions and content

When caring for a patient with pulmonary hypertension, which parameter is most appropriate for the nurse to monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment?

  • A. Central venous pressure (CVP)
  • B. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
  • C. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)
  • D. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). PVR is the most appropriate parameter to monitor in a patient with pulmonary hypertension as it directly reflects the resistance in the pulmonary circulation. A decrease in PVR indicates a reduction in the constriction of blood vessels in the lungs, suggesting improvement in pulmonary hypertension. Monitoring CVP (A) is more relevant in assessing fluid status, SVR (B) is more indicative of systemic vascular tone, and PAWP (D) is useful in assessing left-sided heart function, but they are not as specific to evaluating the effectiveness of treatment for pulmonary hypertension.