Question

31.9 The client receives dextran 40 (Gentran 40). The client experiences tachycardia, dyspnea, and a cough. What is

the best evaluation by the nurse?

1. The client is allergic to the drug.
2. The drug caused an interaction with another drug the client receives.
3. The client experienced impending kidney failure.
4. The drug was infused too
rapidly.

Answer 1

The symptoms of tachycardia, dyspnea, and cough following Dextran 40 infusion likely indicate that the drug was infused too rapidly, contributing to volume overload or an allergic response.

Step-by-step explanation:

The occurrence of tachycardia, dyspnea, and a cough following the infusion of Dextran 40 (Gentran 40) could suggest several possibilities. If these symptoms arose quickly after the start of the infusion, the most likely evaluation by the nurse should include considering whether the drug was infused too rapidly, potentially causing a volume overload or an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can manifest with these symptoms; however, additional signs such as rashes, itching, or hives would support an allergic etiology. It's also possible that there is a drug interaction, but there's insufficient information given to determine this. Impending kidney failure typically presents with other symptoms such as oliguria or anuria, edema, and elevated creatinine levels, which are not mentioned here. Therefore, based on the information provided, option 4—'The drug was infused too rapidly'—would be the best immediate evaluation by the nurse.