Question

A nurse is caring for a client in cardiogenic shock. which vasopressor agents may be used in the treatment of the client? select all that apply.

O norepinephrine
O milrinone
O epinephrine
O vasopressin
O phenylephrine

Answer 1

In the treatment of cardiogenic shock, common vasopressor agents used by nurses include norepinephrine, epinephrine, vasopressin, and phenylephrine, but not milrinone, which is an inotropic agent with vasodilating effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse caring for a client in cardiogenic shock may consider various vasopressor agents to treat the condition. The goal of these medications is to enhance vascular tone, increase cardiac output, and improve perfusion to vital organs. In cardiogenic shock, the heart's pumping capacity is compromised, often due to a myocardial infarction or other cardiac illnesses. The vasopressors that are commonly used include:

Norepinephrine - It binds to beta-1 receptors and increases vascular tone, thereby improving blood pressure.

Epinephrine - An adrenergic agonist that also binds to beta-1 receptors, aiding in vasoconstriction and cardiac output enhancement.

Vasopressin - Acts on vasopressin receptors to increase vascular tone.

Phenylephrine - A selective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist, which leads to increased vascular resistance and blood pressure.

Milrinone, while used for cardiac support, is not a vasopressor; it's an inotropic agent which has a vasodilating effect, often contraindicated in the treatment of cardiogenic shock.