Question

a patient with a diagnosis of decreaed cardiac output would we administer an osmotic diuretic as ordered ? i know we would monitor urine output and monitor ECG dysrhythmia but what else can we include in the plan of care ?

Answer 1

Osmotic diuretics helps in increase the plasma volume and extracellular osmolarity. This results in increased stroke volume, cardiac output and blood pressure. It also increases blood flow to the kidney. So osmotic diuretics can be used for patients with decreased cardiac output.
The plan of care for patients whi are prescribed with osmotic diuretics are :

- if osmotic diuretics are administered intravenously assess for extravasation of the drug at the site of inje

- assess the kidney functions regularly.
- monitor body weight

- monitor signs of increased intracranial pressure

- monitor signs for electrolyte imbalance such as muscle cramps, weakness, nausea, paraesthesia

- assess the patient regularly for dehydration or fluid overload

- assess CVP, blood pressure regularly