Question

IV sodium nitroprusside (Nipride) is ordered for a patient with acute pulmonary edema. During the first hours of administration, the nurse will need to titrate the nitroprusside rate if the patient develops

a. ventricular ectopy.
b. a dry, hacking cough.
c. a systolic BP <90 mm Hg.
d. a heart rate <50 beats/minute.

Answer 1

The nurse should titrate the nitroprusside rate if the patient's systolic BP falls below 90 mm Hg during sodium nitroprusside treatment for acute pulmonary edema, to prevent hypotension and maintain adequate organ perfusion.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the first hours of administration of IV sodium nitroprusside (Nipride) for a patient with acute pulmonary edema, the nurse will need to titrate the nitroprusside rate if the patient develops a systolic BP <90 mm Hg. Sodium nitroprusside is a powerful vasodilator used to quickly reduce blood pressure, and it's essential to monitor the patient's blood pressure closely to prevent hypotension. If a patient's systolic blood pressure falls below 90 mm Hg, it may indicate that the dosage of nitroprusside is too high and needs to be adjusted to maintain adequate blood pressure and ensure proper organ perfusion.