Question

A client who is obtunded has a blood pressure of 80/35 mm hg after a blood transfusion. in an effort to support renal perfusion, the nurse administers dopamine at 2 mcg/kg/min as prescribed. what is the most relevant outcome indicating effectiveness of the medication for this client?

Answer 1

Dopamine has many effects on the body, but for the client described in the question above, the desired effect is to increase renal perfusion, that is, rate of blood flow to the kidney. If this is achieved, the necessary outcome would be INCREASE IN GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE which would also lead to an INCREASE IN URINARY OUTPUT. If there is an increase in urinary output, then the medication was effective for the patient.

Answer 2

Increased blood pressure; 120/80 is ideal. Increased urinary output, 30 mL per hour is ideal, and improved level of consciousness.