A 45-year-old patient presents with symptoms of severe headache, neck stiffness, and photophobia. The nurse suspects a potential central nervous system infection and recommends a lumbar puncture. What is the primary purpose of performing a lumbar puncture in this case?
Explanation: The primary purpose of a lumbar puncture in this case is to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis, which can help diagnose or rule out central nervous system infections.
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A 28-year-old patient is scheduled for a lumbar puncture. To ensure a successful procedure, what is the most important pre-procedure nursing intervention?
Explanation: The most important pre-procedure nursing intervention is obtaining informed consent, ensuring that the patient understands the procedure and its risks.
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Medical-Surgical Nursing Questions: Stroke Treatments
A 60-year-old patient with a history of multiple sclerosis (MS) is scheduled for a lumbar puncture to assess disease progression. The nurse should educate the patient that the most common side effect of this procedure is:
Explanation: The most common side effect of a lumbar puncture is a post-procedure headache, which can occur due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and can usually be managed with rest and fluids.
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A 55-year-old patient with suspected subarachnoid hemorrhage is undergoing a lumbar puncture to assess for the presence of blood in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Which finding during the procedure would indicate a positive result for blood in the CSF?
Explanation: A finding of red or pink-tinged cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during a lumbar puncture indicates the presence of blood, which is a positive result for subarachnoid hemorrhage.
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Medical-Surgical Nursing Questions Focus on Stroke: Causes and Diagnosis
A 30-year-old patient with a suspected central nervous system infection has undergone a lumbar puncture, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis reveals an elevated white blood cell count and an increased protein level. The nurse recognizes these findings as indicative of:
Explanation: Elevated white blood cell count and increased protein level in CSF are indicative of a bacterial infection of the central nervous system.
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Medical-Surgical Nursing Questions Focus on Stroke: Delegation Questions
A 40-year-old patient is undergoing a lumbar puncture to evaluate for the presence of neurologic diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Guillain-Barré syndrome. During the procedure, what is the appropriate position for the patient?
Explanation: During a lumbar puncture, the patient should be in a sitting position, leaning forward to maximize the space between the spinal vertebrae and facilitate the procedure.
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Medical-Surgical Nursing Questions: Understanding Stroke Causes and Symptoms
A 50-year-old patient has just undergone a lumbar puncture. The nurse should provide post-procedure instructions to the patient to prevent the common complication of a post-lumbar puncture headache. What should the nurse recommend?
Explanation: To prevent post-lumbar puncture headaches, patients are often advised to lie flat for several hours after the procedure and increase fluid intake to maintain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume.
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Understanding Stroke: Causes and Symptoms
A 25-year-old patient with a history of seizures is scheduled for an EEG (Electroencephalogram) to evaluate brain activity. What is the primary purpose of an EEG in this case?
Explanation: The primary purpose of an EEG is to record and analyze the electrical activity in the brain, helping in the diagnosis and management of seizure disorders.
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Understanding Stroke: Medical-Surgical Nursing Questions
A 40-year-old patient with a recent history of head trauma is scheduled for a brain MRI to assess for potential brain injuries. What type of information can a brain MRI provide in this situation?
Explanation: A brain MRI can provide detailed images of brain structures and abnormalities, making it useful for assessing potential brain injuries resulting from head trauma.
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Understanding Stroke: Medical-Surgical Nursing High Yield Questions
A 55-year-old patient with a history of epilepsy is undergoing an EEG. During the EEG, the nurse observes the presence of abnormal, synchronous brain wave discharges. What type of seizure activity is likely indicated by this EEG finding?
Explanation: Abnormal, synchronous brain wave discharges on an EEG may indicate a tonic-clonic seizure, characterized by generalized convulsions.
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A 30-year-old patient with suspected epilepsy is scheduled for an EEG. The patient asks the nurse about the preparations required for this test. What should the nurse advise the patient to do before the EEG?
Explanation: Before an EEG, patients are often advised to wash their hair with shampoo but to avoid using conditioner, as some electrodes need to make direct contact with the scalp for optimal results.
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Medical-Surgical Nursing Questions: Stroke Questions, Answers and Rationales
A 60-year-old patient with a history of migraine headaches is undergoing a brain MRI to assess for possible causes of recurring headaches. What information can a brain MRI provide in this case?
Explanation: A brain MRI can provide detailed images of brain structures, helping to identify structural abnormalities that may be contributing to recurrent migraine headaches.
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A 35-year-old patient with a history of epilepsy is admitted to the neurology unit. The nurse is preparing to administer an anticonvulsant medication. Which of the following is the primary goal of anticonvulsant therapy in this patient?
Explanation: The primary goal of anticonvulsant therapy in a patient with epilepsy is to control and prevent seizures, allowing for a better quality of life.
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Understanding Stroke: Medical-Surgical Nursing Priority Questions
A 50-year-old patient is receiving anticonvulsant therapy for the management of seizures. The nurse should closely monitor the patient for potential side effects of anticonvulsants, such as the development of a serious skin rash known as:
Explanation: Anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine and phenytoin, can potentially cause serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
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A 60-year-old patient with a history of seizures is admitted to the hospital following a seizure episode. The nurse is performing a neurological assessment and observes rhythmic, jerking movements of the patient’s right arm. What type of seizure is the patient likely experiencing?
Explanation: Rhythmic, jerking movements of an extremity are characteristic of a focal onset (partial) seizure, either simple or complex, depending on the level of consciousness.
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A 45-year-old patient with epilepsy is prescribed phenytoin (Dilantin) as an anticonvulsant. The nurse educates the patient about the importance of regular blood tests to monitor phenytoin levels. What is the therapeutic range for phenytoin levels?
Explanation: The therapeutic range for phenytoin levels is typically 10-20 mcg/mL.
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30-year-old patient is admitted with a suspected overdose of an anticonvulsant medication. The nurse assesses the patient for signs of overdose, which may include:
Explanation: Anticonvulsant overdose may lead to symptoms such as decreased level of consciousness, respiratory depression, and hypotension.
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A 70-year-old patient with a history of falls is admitted to the medical-surgical unit. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize for fall prevention in this patient?
Explanation: Fall prevention strategies for older adults include encouraging frequent ambulation, removing environmental hazards, and providing a safe and supportive care environment.
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A 45-year-old patient with a history of epilepsy is admitted to the neurology unit. The nurse is preparing to administer anticonvulsant medications. Which nursing action is essential in seizure precautions for this patient?
Explanation: Essential seizure precautions include ensuring a well-lit room, padding the side rails of the bed, and providing a safe environment during and after a seizure episode.
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A 60-year-old patient with a history of falls is on fall precautions. While ambulating the patient, the nurse observes the patient beginning to lose balance. What should the nurse do first in this situation?
Explanation: If a patient begins to lose balance while ambulating, the nurse should lower the bed to the lowest position to minimize the risk of injury.
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A 50-year-old patient with a history of seizures is receiving anticonvulsant medications. The nurse educates the patient about seizure precautions. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of these precautions?
Explanation: Understanding of seizure precautions includes avoiding triggers like alcohol, getting adequate sleep, and adhering to medication therapy.
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A 35-year-old patient is at risk for falls in the hospital due to a medical condition. What should the nurse prioritize when implementing fall precautions for this patient?
Explanation: Prioritizing fall precautions includes encouraging the use of assistive devices, keeping pathways clear, and providing a safe environment.
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A 65-year-old patient with a history of heart failure presents with sudden shortness of breath, pink frothy sputum, and crackles in the lung fields. What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient’s condition?
Explanation: The patient’s symptoms, including pink frothy sputum and crackles, are indicative of pulmonary edema, which often occurs in individuals with heart failure.
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A 70-year-old patient with heart failure is experiencing worsening symptoms, including orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. What is the priority nursing intervention for this patient?
Explanation: Priority nursing intervention for a patient with worsening heart failure and respiratory distress includes providing oxygen therapy to improve oxygenation.
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A 55-year-old patient with heart failure is prescribed a loop diuretic. The nurse understands that the primary action of this medication is to:
Explanation: Loop diuretics are prescribed in heart failure to promote diuresis and reduce fluid volume overload, which can alleviate symptoms such as edema and pulmonary congestion.
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A 60-year-old patient with heart failure is at risk for developing pulmonary edema. The nurse should monitor for early signs of pulmonary edema, which may include:
Explanation: Early signs of pulmonary edema often include crackles in the lungs, tachycardia, and hypertension.
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A 50-year-old patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed ACE inhibitors as part of the treatment plan. The nurse educates the patient about potential side effects of ACE inhibitors, including:
A 62-year-old patient post-surgery is at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Which intervention should the nurse prioritize to prevent VTE in this patient?
Explanation: Early ambulation is crucial to prevent VTE in post-surgery patients by promoting blood flow and preventing stasis in the lower extremities.
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A 45-year-old patient with a history of VTE is prescribed anticoagulation therapy. What is the primary goal of anticoagulation therapy in this patient?
Explanation: The primary goal of anticoagulation therapy is to prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of recurrent VTE in patients with a history of VTE.
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A 55-year-old patient is diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The nurse knows that the most common symptom of DVT is:
Explanation: The most common symptom of DVT is leg swelling and pain, often in the calf muscle.
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A 70-year-old patient has a suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). The nurse recognizes that the priority diagnostic test to confirm this condition is:
Explanation: The D-dimer assay is often used as an initial diagnostic test to rule out PE. A positive result may warrant further imaging studies, such as a CT pulmonary angiography.
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A 50-year-old patient is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) for VTE prophylaxis. The nurse provides education about warfarin and advises the patient to:
Explanation: Patients on warfarin should be educated to maintain consistent intake of vitamin K-containing foods, including green leafy vegetables. Grapefruit juice can interact with some medications but is not relevant for warfarin.
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Patient Case: A 58-year-old male presents to the emergency department with severe chest pain that radiates to his left arm. He has diaphoresis and reports feeling lightheaded. What is the priority nursing intervention for this patient?
Explanation: In a patient with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS), performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) is the priority to determine if there are any ST-segment changes indicative of myocardial infarction.
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Patient Case: A 65-year-old female is admitted with unstable angina. She is prescribed sublingual nitroglycerin. The nurse should instruct the patient to use nitroglycerin in response to:
Explanation: Sublingual nitroglycerin should be used for relief of acute chest pain or discomfort. Patients should be instructed to use it for severe chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes.
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Patient Case: A 72-year-old male is post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The nurse is monitoring for complications, including graft occlusion. Which assessment finding suggests graft occlusion in this patient?
Explanation: Sudden onset of severe chest pain may indicate graft occlusion in a post-CABG patient and should be assessed promptly.
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Patient Case: A 50-year-old female with a history of ACS is prescribed dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel). The nurse educates the patient that the purpose of this medication regimen is to:
Explanation: Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel is prescribed to prevent clot formation in the coronary arteries, reducing the risk of recurrent ACS events.
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Patient Case: A 60-year-old male with a history of ACS is scheduled for cardiac rehabilitation. The nurse should emphasize the importance of cardiac rehab for:
Explanation: Cardiac rehabilitation is essential for improving cardiovascular health, functional capacity, and reducing the risk of future cardiac events in patients with ACS.
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atient Case: A 68-year-old male presents to the emergency department with dizziness and palpitations. An electrocardiogram (ECG) reveals a heart rate of 40 beats per minute and a prolonged PR interval. Which conduction disturbance is likely present in this patient?
Explanation: The prolonged PR interval on the ECG indicates first-degree heart block, which is characterized by delayed conduction between the atria and ventricles.
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Patient Case: A 55-year-old female with a history of hypertension presents with an irregular heart rhythm. An ECG shows no P waves, and irregular, rapid QRS complexes. What conduction disturbance is likely present in this patient?
Explanation: The absence of P waves and irregular, rapid QRS complexes on the ECG are characteristic of atrial fibrillation.
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Patient Case: A 70-year-old male presents with chest pain and an ECG reveals ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. Which conduction disturbance is associated with this ECG finding?
Explanation: ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF is indicative of an inferior myocardial infarction, which can affect the heart’s conduction system.
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atient Case: A 45-year-old female presents with syncope. An ECG shows a pattern of progressively lengthening PR intervals followed by a dropped QRS complex. Which conduction disturbance is likely present in this patient?
Explanation: The pattern of progressively lengthening PR intervals followed by a dropped QRS complex is indicative of third-degree heart block (complete heart block).
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Patient Case: A 60-year-old male with a history of heart conduction disturbances is on a medication that slows the conduction of electrical impulses through the atria. This medication primarily affects which part of the heart’s conduction system?
Explanation: The most appropriate initial treatment for suspected infective endocarditis is intravenous antibiotics to target the infection and reduce the risk of complications.
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Patient Case: A 38-year-old female presents with sharp, pleuritic chest pain that worsens with inspiration. She also reports fever and malaise. Physical examination reveals a pericardial friction rub. What is the treatment of choice for this patient’s condition?
Explanation: The presence of pleuritic chest pain, pericardial friction rub, and signs of pericarditis suggests acute pericarditis. The treatment of choice is typically NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain.
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Patient Case: A 60-year-old male with a history of infective endocarditis develops heart failure symptoms. Echocardiography reveals severe valve damage. What is the most appropriate treatment for this patient’s endocarditis-related heart failure?
Explanation: Severe valve damage in endocarditis may require surgical intervention, such as valve replacement surgery, to address the underlying cause of heart failure.
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Patient Case: A 55-year-old female presents with signs of infective endocarditis, including fever, Roth spots, and Janeway lesions. What is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test for confirming the diagnosis of infective endocarditis?
Explanation: Echocardiography is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test for confirming the diagnosis of infective endocarditis and assessing valve abnormalities.
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Patient Case: A 50-year-old male with pericarditis develops worsening shortness of breath and hypotension. What procedure may be indicated in this patient for both diagnosis and treatment?
Explanation: In a patient with pericarditis who develops hemodynamic instability, pericardiocentesis may be indicated for both diagnosis (to rule out cardiac tamponade) and treatment (to relieve cardiac compression).
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Patient Case: A 68-year-old female presents to the emergency department with dizziness, weakness, and a blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg. She reports a history of heart disease. What is the most likely cause of her hypotension?
Explanation: Given the patient’s history of heart disease and low blood pressure, the most likely cause is cardiogenic shock, which occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively.
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Patient Case: A 45-year-old male in the intensive care unit (ICU) has developed severe hypotension. His central venous pressure (CVP) is low, and he has muffled heart sounds. What is the most likely cause of his condition?
Explanation: The combination of severe hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and low CVP is indicative of cardiac tamponade, a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
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Patient Case: A 30-year-old male with a known history of allergies suddenly develops hypotension, urticaria, and difficulty breathing after eating a seafood dish. What is the most likely diagnosis in this case?
Explanation: The patient’s symptoms of hypotension, urticaria, and difficulty breathing following seafood ingestion are characteristic of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.
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Patient Case: A 60-year-old female with a history of diabetes presents with hypotension, tachycardia, and dry mucous membranes. She reports excessive urination and thirst. What is the likely cause of her hypotension?
Explanation: The patient’s symptoms of hypotension, excessive urination, thirst, and dry mucous membranes suggest dehydration, which can be common in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes.
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Patient Case: A 70-year-old male is admitted with hypotension and confusion. His medical history includes hypertension and heart disease. Which medication could be contributing to his hypotension?
Explanation: Medications such as diuretics, particularly in combination with other antihypertensive drugs, can lead to hypotension in elderly patients with a history of hypertension and heart disease.
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Patient Case: A 55-year-old male is admitted to the ICU with a high fever, tachycardia, hypotension, and signs of systemic infection. Laboratory tests show elevated lactate levels. What is the first-line treatment for this patient?
Explanation: The first-line treatment for septic shock is fluid resuscitation to address hypotension and improve perfusion. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are initiated once cultures are obtained.
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Patient Case: A 45-year-old female with septic shock is not responding to fluid resuscitation. Which class of medications may be initiated to increase blood pressure in this patient?
Explanation: In cases where fluid resuscitation is insufficient to raise blood pressure, vasopressors like norepinephrine may be initiated to improve perfusion and address hypotension in septic shock.
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Patient Case: A 60-year-old male with septic shock has a central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) of 70%. What does this ScvO2 value suggest, and what intervention is appropriate?
Explanation: A ScvO2 value of 70% suggests high oxygen delivery, and no intervention is needed. Low ScvO2 would indicate insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues.
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Patient Case: A 70-year-old female with septic shock develops acute kidney injury (AKI). What is an important aspect of managing AKI in septic patients?
Explanation: In septic patients with AKI, early initiation of renal replacement therapy may be necessary to manage fluid overload and correct electrolyte imbalances.
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Patient Case: A 50-year-old male with septic shock has a core body temperature of 95°F (35°C). What intervention is essential to address hypothermia in this patient?
Explanation: In septic patients with hypothermia, a crucial intervention is to warm intravenous fluids to help raise the patient’s
A 30-year-old female presents to the emergency department with sudden-onset hives, angioedema, and difficulty breathing after being stung by a bee. What is the initial treatment of choice for this patient?
Explanation: The initial treatment of choice for anaphylactic shock is the administration of epinephrine to reverse bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, and other life-threatening symptoms.
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Patient Case: A 25-year-old male develops anaphylactic shock after ingesting peanuts. After administering epinephrine, what should be the next step in the management of this patient?
Explanation: After the initial administration of epinephrine, monitoring vital signs and providing supportive care are essential. Additional doses of epinephrine may be administered if symptoms persist or worsen.
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Patient Case: A 40-year-old female with anaphylactic shock has received epinephrine and is stable. What medication can be administered to prevent a secondary reaction and recurrence of symptoms?
Explanation: Corticosteroids may be administered after the initial treatment of anaphylactic shock to prevent secondary reactions and reduce inflammation.
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Patient Case: A 35-year-old male presents with anaphylactic shock after a bee sting. In addition to epinephrine, what intervention is crucial for managing this patient’s airway?
Explanation: Managing the patient’s airway is crucial in anaphylactic shock. If there is significant upper airway edema, advanced airway interventions like intubation may be necessary.
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Patient Case: A 50-year-old female in anaphylactic shock is unconscious, and her blood pressure remains low despite epinephrine administration. What is the appropriate treatment to address persistent hypotension in this patient?
Explanation: In cases of persistent hypotension in anaphylactic shock, vasopressor therapy, such as norepinephrine, may be necessary to increase blood pressure and perfusion.
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