A client who is hypotensive is receiving dopamine, an adrenergic agonist, IV at the rate of 8 mcg/kg/min. Which intervention should the nurse implement while administering this medication?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Assessing pupillary response to light is not directly related to the administration of dopamine for hypotension and does not reflect the immediate effects of the medication on the cardiovascular or renal systems. B. Seizure precautions are not a standard intervention for a patient receiving dopamine unless the patient has a history of seizures or there is another indication for such precautions. C. Measuring urinary output every hour is essential as it reflects the patient's fluid balance and kidney function, which can be affected by dopamine administration. It is a direct measure of the effectiveness of the medication in improving renal perfusion and the patient's hemodynamic status. D. While monitoring serum potassium levels is important in patients receiving IV therapy, it is not the most immediate concern when administering dopamine for hypotension, unless the patient has a known electrolyte imbalance.