Question

The client who does not respond adequately to fluid replacement has a prescription for an IV infusion of dopamine hydrochloride at 5 mcg/kg/min. To determine that the drug is having the desired effect, the nurse should assess the client for:

A. Increased renal and mesenteric blood flow.
B. Increased cardiac output.
C. Vasoconstriction.
D. Reduced preload and afterload.

Answer 1

The nurse should assess for increased cardiac output to evaluate the effectiveness of the dopamine hydrochloride infusion in a client not responding to fluid replacement, as it is the primary desired effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine that the dopamine hydrochloride infusion is having the desired effect, the nurse should assess the client for increased cardiac output. Dopamine is a sympathomimetic catecholamine that can increase heart rate and the force of contraction, leading to increased cardiac output. It can also lead to increased renal and mesenteric blood flow and cause vasoconstriction, but the primary desired effect for a patient not responding to fluid replacement would be an increase in cardiac output, as it indicates improved blood circulation which is imperative in states of shock or cardiac failure. Thus, the correct answer among the options provided is B. Increased cardiac output. Evaluating the patient's response to the medication includes monitoring hemodynamic parameters, urine output, and organ perfusion.

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