Question

A patient in heart failure is to be started on an infusion of dobutamine (Dobutrex). What is most important for the nurse to assess before starting the infusion? The patient's:

1. Breath sounds
2. Blood pressure
3. Level of consciousness
4. Urine output

Answer 1

The nurse should assess the patient's blood pressure before starting the infusion of dobutamine in heart failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before starting the infusion of dobutamine (Dobutrex) in a patient with heart failure, the most important thing for the nurse to assess is the patient's blood pressure.

In heart failure, the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, leading to low blood pressure. If the patient's blood pressure is already low, starting the dobutamine infusion could further decrease blood pressure and potentially worsen the patient's condition.

Assessing the patient's blood pressure allows the nurse to determine the appropriateness of starting the dobutamine infusion and to monitor for any changes or adverse reactions during the infusion.