Question

The nurse is caring for a patient receiving a continuous norepinephrine IV infusion. Which patient assessment finding indicates that the infusion rate may need to be adjusted?

a. Heart rate is slow at 58 beats/min.
b. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is 56 mm Hg.
c. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) is elevated.
d. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is low.

Answer 1

A MAP of 56 mm Hg in a patient receiving norepinephrine IV infusion suggests the need for adjustment of the infusion rate, as it is below the normal range of 70-110 mm Hg and can lead to ischemia and hypoxia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient assessment finding indicating that the norepinephrine IV infusion rate may need to be adjusted is the mean arterial pressure (MAP) being at 56 mm Hg. The normal range of MAP is approximately 70-110 mm Hg, suggesting adequate blood flow and tissue perfusion. A MAP below 60 mm Hg can lead to inadequate circulation, ischemia, and potential tissue hypoxia, thereby requiring an adjustment to the infusion rate to elevate the MAP to a safer level.