Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 73%
Simulated
After administering an inotropic medication to a patient in shock, the nurse monitors the patient for signs of:
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Increased cardiac output. Inotropic medications enhance the force of cardiac muscle contraction, leading to improved cardiac output. This helps to improve tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery in a patient in shock. Monitoring for increased cardiac output is crucial to assess the effectiveness of the medication.
Incorrect answers:
A: Decreased cardiac output - Inotropic medications are intended to increase cardiac output, not decrease it.
B: Increased afterload - Inotropic medications primarily affect contractility and do not directly impact afterload.
D: Slowing of the heart rate - Inotropic medications do not typically cause bradycardia; they aim to improve contractility without affecting heart rate.
Incorrect answers:
A: Decreased cardiac output - Inotropic medications are intended to increase cardiac output, not decrease it.
B: Increased afterload - Inotropic medications primarily affect contractility and do not directly impact afterload.
D: Slowing of the heart rate - Inotropic medications do not typically cause bradycardia; they aim to improve contractility without affecting heart rate.