Chapter 30, Problem 1CTPQ

Summary Introduction

To describe:

The nurse’s priority action that has to be taken when the nurse found out that the site of injection of an IV infusion (vasopressin) was cool and swollen.

Introduction:

Vasopressin (Pitressin) is a potent vasoconstrictor and performs the functions of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Vasopressin is used to treat polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (excessive urination), and dehydration in diabetes insipidus patients caused by insufficient ADH. In addition, vasopressin is used to treat septic shock, pulseless cardiac arrest, and esophageal varices. The common side effects of vasopressin are increased blood pressure, headache, fever, nausea, heartburn, uterine cramping, tremor, and sweating.