Question

A patient has been receiving milrinone (Primacor) for cardiogenic shock from acute decompensated heart failure. What findings indicate that this medication has been effective in the patient?

1. Increased cardiac output
2. Reduced pulmonary arterial wedge pressure
3. Dropping blood pressure
4. Onset of ventricular dysrhythmias
5. Respiratory rate 28 and regular

Answer 1

Effectiveness of milrinone for a patient with cardiogenic shock is indicated by increased cardiac output and reduced pulmonary arterial wedge pressure. Ventricular dysrhythmias or dropping blood pressure would signal negative effects, not improvement.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient has been receiving milrinone (Primacor) for cardiogenic shock from acute decompensated heart failure. To determine if this medication has been effective, we would look for certain key outcomes. The main goal of treatment in this scenario is to improve heart function and promote better cardiac output.

The findings that would indicate effectiveness of milrinone in a patient include:

1. Increased cardiac output: A higher cardiac output suggests that the heart is pumping more effectively, which is one of the primary aims in treating cardiogenic shock.
2. Reduced pulmonary arterial wedge pressure: Lower levels of this pressure indicate a reduction in the strain on the heart, showing that the heart is not working as hard to pump blood.

Moreover, findings would not include dropping blood pressure or the onset of ventricular dysrhythmias, as these would typically indicate a negative response to the treatment. Similarly, a respiratory rate of 28 and regular by itself does not necessarily indicate effectiveness of milrinone without other cardiovascular improvements.