Practice Question
The physician has ordered Dopamine for a patient in the ICU who has suffered a spinal cord injury. The nurse determines that the drug is having the desired effect when the assessment findings are:
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Blood pressure 110/68
Rationale:
✅ Dopamine is used in spinal cord injury to maintain adequate tissue perfusion by increasing mean arterial pressure (MAP) through beta-1 adrenergic stimulation, which boosts cardiac output.
✅ A BP of 110/68 mm Hg indicates effective perfusion restoration, preventing secondary spinal cord ischemia.
✅ Target MAP is typically 85–90 mm Hg for optimal spinal cord perfusion.
✅ Other parameters (temperature, respiratory rate, HR) may vary but are not primary indicators of dopamine effectiveness.
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This question is from Adult Health-Viterbo University which contains 46 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
A patient with a spinal cord lesion at T4 tells the nurse that he has a headache and feels flushed. The BP is significantly elevated to 190/100. The first action by the nurse is to:
Answer Choices:
A. Elevate the head of the bed immediately and notify the provider
B. Administer PRN tylenol for the patient's headache
C. Recheck all of the patient's vital signs
D. Elevate the patient's knees and lower the head of the bed
A client with a spinal cord injury at the level C3 to C4 is being cared for by the nurse in the emergency department. What is the priority nursing action?
Answer Choices:
A. Assess the level at which the client has intact sensation
B. Determine the level at which the client has retained mobility
C. Monitor respiratory effort and oxygen saturation level
D. Check the blood pressure and pulse for signs of spinal shock
A patient with a neck fracture at the C3 level is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following initial treatment in the emergency room. During the initial assessment of the patient, the nurse recognizes the presence of spinal shock on finding:
Answer Choices:
A. Flaccid paralysis and lack of sensation below the level of the injury
B. Hypotension, bradycardia, and warm extremities
C. Presence of hyperactive reflex activity below the level of the injury
D. Severe headache, hypertension, and flushed face
A nurse in the ED is assessing a client who is taking warfarin and experiencing rectal bleeding. Which of the following drugs should the nurse anticipate administering to the client?
Answer Choices:
A. Heparin
B. Vitamin K
C. Iron
D. Protamine
A nurse is planning the care of a patient with heart failure. Which of the following interventions does the nurse include in the plan?
Answer Choices:
A. Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discomfort.
B. Limit sodium in the diet to 3.5 g/day.
C. Place client in a lateral position.
D. Limit fluid intake to 2 liters/day.
Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI Adult Health
- Answer Choices: 4