Question

The nurse is caring for a patient who has an intraaortic balloon pump in place. Which action should be included in the plan of care?

a. Avoid the use of anticoagulant medications.
b. Measure the patient's urinary output every hour.
c. Provide passive range of motion for all extremities.
d. Position the patient supine with head flat at all times.

Answer 1

For a patient with an intraaortic balloon pump, measuring their urinary output every hour should be included in their care plan to assess renal perfusion and fluid status.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct action to include in the plan of care for a patient with an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) in place is to measure the patient's urinary output every hour. This is essential as it provides information about the renal perfusion and the patient's fluid status. An intraaortic balloon pump is a device used to support the heart's pumping action, particularly in individuals with weakened heart function. Monitoring urinary output is a vital sign of the patient's hemodynamic status and the effectiveness of IABP therapy.

Option 'a', avoiding the use of anticoagulant medications, is generally not advisable as anticoagulation is often required to prevent thrombosis around the IABP. Option 'c', providing passive range of motion, is important for overall patient care but not specific to IABP management. Option 'd', positioning the patient supine with head flat at all times, is also not necessary and can be adjusted based on the patient's condition and doctor's orders.