Question

The healthcare provider is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of hemorrhagic pancreatitis. The patient's central venous pressure (CVP) reading is 2cm, blood pressure 90/50, lung sounds are clear, and jugular veins are flat. Which of these actions is most appropriate for the nurse to take?

Choose 1 answer:

1- Increase the IV infusion rate
2- Slow the IV infusion rate
3- No interventions are needed at this time
4- Administer dopamine

Answer 1

The most appropriate action is to increase the IV infusion rate to address potential hypovolemia and restore blood volume, as indicated by the patient's low CVP and blood pressure readings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The healthcare provider is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of hemorrhagic pancreatitis. Considering that the patient has a central venous pressure (CVP) of 2cm, a low blood pressure of 90/50, clear lung sounds, and flat jugular veins, the most appropriate action for the nurse is to increase the IV infusion rate. These signs suggest the patient might be experiencing hypovolemia, an abnormally low level of fluids and blood in the body which can be associated with hemorrhagic pancreatitis and could lead to hypovolemic shock if not treated promptly. Increasing the IV infusion rate can help restore adequate blood volume and improve blood pressure.