A nurse is implementing fluid resuscitation on a patient with full-thickness burns. Vital signs show a blood pressure of 85/55, pulse of 109, respiration rate of 22, and an hourly urine output of 15 ml. The nurse notifies the physician and expects which of the following interventions to be ordered?

Explanation

• The effectiveness of fluid resuscitation is based on urine output and vital signs. This patient shows signs of low intravascular volume and needs additional fluids to increase blood pressure and urine output.

• Transfusing 2 units of plasma is not indicated based on the information provided.

• Dopamine increases urine output and cardiac contractility and should be used in patients with poor cardiac output. This patient's underlying problem is fluid shifting outside the vascular space. Therefore, fluids are needed to increase blood volume.

• Furosemide (Lasix) is indicated for patients with acute renal failure, heart failure, or renal insufficiency. It is not indicated during fluid resuscitation.

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