Question

A client in the intensive care unit (icu) is on a dobutamine drip. during an assessment the client states, "i was feeling better but now my chest is tight and i feel like my heart is skipping." physical assessment reveals a heart rate of 110 beats per minute and blood pressure of 160/98 mm hg. what is the nurse's immediate concern for this client

Answer 1

The answer would be: Dosage may need to be decreased.

Dobutamine is a drug that increases the strength and frequency of heart pump. It is frequently used in ICU to help the patient with a heart problem. While it can help strengthen the heart, high doses might cause arrhythmia which could threaten the patient life. That is why the doses need to be titrated carefully.