Ms. Quinn is admitted to the surgical intensive care unit after open heart surgery. The health care provider prescribes IV nitro
glycerin, according to a hospital protocol for titration of the drug. Which factor would be most important when determining increases or decreases in the dose?
The best answer for the question: Which factor would be most important when determining increases or decreases in the dose? Would be: Blood pressure and its changes according to the dosage of nitroglycerin.
Explanation:
Because nitroglycerin is a vasodilator, its most direct effect will be to relax the muscle walls of blood vessels in order for more blood volume to be pumped through them, with the least resistance possible. This treatment is very common especially for patients with angina, or myocardial infarction. However, precisely due to its vasodilating effects, one vital sign that needs to be closely monitored is blood pressure. If blood pressure increases and pain in a patient persists, then a nitroglycerin dosage may be increased. However, if blood pressure begins to lower beyond a normal level, nitroglycerin must be weaned off and adjusted until it can be removed completely, or left at the lowest possible therapeutic level.
