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?

Decreased heart rate
Hypotension

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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