Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN) Practice Exam

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What is the effect of Nitroprusside on blood pressure and heart rate?

Increases blood pressure and decreases HR

Lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow but increases HR

Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator that primarily works by dilating blood vessels, which leads to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance. As a result, the blood pressure is lowered due to the reduced pressure against which the heart has to pump. This decrease in blood pressure occurs rapidly, making Nitroprusside particularly useful in managing acute hypertensive crises.

However, when blood pressure decreases significantly, the body often compensates by increasing heart rate to maintain adequate cardiac output and perfusion to vital organs. This compensatory mechanism can result in an increase in heart rate following administration of Nitroprusside. Therefore, the overall effect of Nitroprusside is characterized by a lowering of blood pressure combined with an increase in heart rate as the body attempts to counterbalance the drop in pressure.

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Lowers blood pressure and decreases HR

No effect on blood pressure or HR

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