Question

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

Answer 1

The patient does not respond adequately to fluid replacement and was given an IV infusion of dopamine hydrochloride at 5 mcg/kg/minute. In addition, to monitor that the drug is having the desired effect, the nurse should assess the client for increased cardiac output. At medium doses, which is between 4 – 8 mcg/kg/min, the dopamine hydrochloride slightly increases the heart rate and improves contractility to increase cardiac output and recover tissue perfusion.