Question

The nurse is caring for a client weighing 178 lbs. who is receiving dobutamine IV at 0.7 mcg/kg/min. Dobutamine is supplied in a concentration of 20 mg/ 20 mL. The nurse finds that the IV pump is infusing at 20 mL/hour. Of the following, which is the priority nursing action?

1) Assess the HR and BP
2) Discontinue the dobutamine infusion
3) Begin an infusion of normal saline to support blood pressure
4) Notify the health care provider immediately

Answer 1

The priority nursing action is to assess the heart rate and blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority nursing action in this scenario would be to assess the heart rate and blood pressure of the client. This is important because dobutamine is a medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure, so monitoring these vital signs is crucial to ensure the client's safety and well-being.

The nurse should calculate the correct dobutamine infusion rate based on the client's weight and the concentration of the solution to determine if the infusion pump rate of 20 mL/hour is appropriate. Subsequently, the priority nursing action depends on whether the rate is correct and could range from monitoring vital signs to discontinuation and notification of the healthcare provider.