Question

A client is being treated with nitroprusside (Nitropress). The nurse is aware that this medication: A. Should be protected from light B. Is a non-potassium-sparing diuretic C. Causes vasoconstriction D. Decreases circulation to the extremities

Short answer

A. Should be protected from light B. Is a non-potassium-sparing diuretic C. Causes vasoconstriction D. Decreases circulation to the extremities Answer: A. Should be protected from light

Step-by-step solution

Understand the medication

Nitroprusside (Nitropress) is a potent vasodilator medication used primarily to treat hypertensive emergencies or to lower blood pressure during surgical procedures. It works by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow.

Evaluate each option

A. Should be protected from light: Nitroprusside is sensitive to light. It should be protected from light to maintain its effectiveness. B. Is a non-potassium-sparing diuretic: Nitroprusside is not a diuretic, either potassium-sparing or non-potassium-sparing. It functions as a vasodilator and does not directly affect electrolyte balance or promote water excretion. C. Causes vasoconstriction: Nitroprusside works as a vasodilator, which means it causes blood vessels to relax and widen, not constrict. D. Decreases circulation to the extremities: Nitroprusside, as a vasodilator, increases blood flow and circulation to the extremities, rather than decreasing it.

Select the correct answer

From the evaluation of each option, the correct answer is A. Nitroprusside (Nitropress) should be protected from light to maintain its effectiveness.

Key concepts

Nitroprusside (Nitropress)

When it comes to managing hypertensive crises, Nitroprusside (marketed under the brand name Nitropress) is a go-to medication for healthcare professionals. This potent vasodilator rapidly lowers blood pressure by relaxing the muscles in blood vessel walls, thereby increasing the diameter of the vessels.

Nitroprusside is administered intravenously, allowing for immediate action and close monitoring in critical care settings. Its fast onset and short duration of action make it an ideal choice for situations where swift blood pressure reduction is required, such as acute heart failure, severe hypertension, or during surgical procedures to minimize bleeding risks.

Understanding its mechanism and appropriate usage is vital for nursing staff to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. Due to its potency, dosing requires meticulous calculation and constant monitoring of the patient's blood pressure and heart rate.

Vasodilator Medications

Vasodilator medications, such as Nitroprusside, play a crucial role in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions. These medications work by relaxing the smooth muscle in blood vessel walls, which leads to the vessels dilating, or widening. This process of vasodilation reduces the pressure in the vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.

There are various types of vasodilators, including those that act primarily on arteries, veins, or both. The choice of vasodilator depends on the patient's specific condition and the desired therapeutic effect. For instance, some vasodilators are used to treat angina pectoris by improving blood flow to the heart muscle, while others like Nitroprusside are used in emergency situations to rapidly decrease dangerously high blood pressure.

Side effects of vasodilator medications can include hypotension, headaches, flushing, and reflex tachycardia. Patient response to vasodilators should be closely monitored to manage these potential effects.

Hypertensive Emergencies

Hypertensive emergencies are life-threatening situations where the blood pressure is so high that it poses an immediate risk of complications, such as stroke, heart attack, or organ damage. In these cases, rapid reduction of blood pressure is essential to prevent permanent harm.

Treatment involves the immediate use of intravenous antihypertensive agents such as Nitroprusside, under intensive monitoring in a hospital setting. The goal is to lower the blood pressure to a safer level without reducing it too quickly, which could also be dangerous.

Managing a hypertensive emergency requires a comprehensive approach, including ongoing assessment of the patient's neurological status, renal function, and cardiac function. Education on lifestyle modifications and adherence to medication regimens is critical to prevent recurrent hypertensive crises.

Medication Light Sensitivity

Some medications, like Nitroprusside, have a chemical structure that makes them sensitive to light. Exposure to light can cause these medications to degrade, rendering them less effective or even harmful. To protect the integrity and potency of light-sensitive drugs, special handling and storage procedures must be observed.

For Nitroprusside, this includes using opaque or amber-colored IV bags and tubing to shield the solution from light. The medication is often stored in its original container until ready for use, and once prepared, it should be used within a specified period to ensure its efficacy is maintained.

Nurses and pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring that light-sensitive medications are properly managed, from storage to administration, to safeguard both the medication's integrity and the patient's safety.