A nurse in the ICU is caring for a patient who is on a ventilator after a closed-head injury. The patient is sedated with propofol (Diprivan) for ventilation tolerance. The nurse knows to monitor the patient for side effects that include which of the following?

Explanation

• Propofol (Diprivan) is a CNS depressant used for its anesthetic properties. It is used in surgical procedures and for sedation in patients who do not tolerate mechanical ventilation while awake and alert.

• Propofol infusion must be monitored closely because it can depress myocardial function and cause up to a 25% decrease in blood pressure.

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