Question

The client with congestive heart failure has an order for milrinone (Primacor). If the doctor decides to check the BNP, the nurse should do which of the following? A. Slow the rate of the Primacor infusion B. Administer a diuretic prior to checking the BNP C. Continue the Primacor as ordered D. Stop the Primacor for two hours prior to the test

Short answer

Answer: C. Continue the Primacor as ordered.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the exercise

We have to determine the best action for the nurse when the doctor decides to check the BNP in a client with congestive heart failure who is receiving milrinone (Primacor). Consider the given options A, B, C, and D to decide the ideal course of action. Step 2: Understand the options

Analyze each option

- A. Slow the rate of the Primacor infusion: Milrinone is a vasodilator that helps improve the heart's pumping function. Slowing the rate of infusion might not have significant impact on BNP levels. - B. Administer a diuretic prior to checking the BNP: Diuretics are used to remove excess fluid in the body helping to increase heart function. However, administering a diuretic prior to checking the BNP may cause a temporary decrease in BNP levels leading to an inaccurate reading. - C. Continue the Primacor as ordered: As milrinone is designed to help improve the heart's pumping function, continuing the medication as prescribed might be the most appropriate course of action. - D. Stop the Primacor for two hours prior to the test: Stopping the Primacor may cause unnecessary interruption of treatment and does not contribute to an accurate BNP measurement. Step 3: Choose the correct option

Select the best course of action

Based on the analysis of each option, the most appropriate action for the nurse is to "Continue the Primacor as ordered," which is option C. This ensures that the patient continues their treatment for congestive heart failure without any unnecessary interruptions, and the BNP test can be conducted without concern for inaccurate results due to the administration of other medications or changes in the treatment.