A patient becomes hypotensive after medication administration. What is your immediate action?

A patient becomes hypotensive after medication administration. What is your immediate action?

• A. Stop the infusion or hold the medication
• B. Notify the physician immediately
• C. Administer a fluid bolus
• D. Document the event after stabilization

Answer: (A)

The immediate action is to stop the infusion or hold the medication. Halting the drug delivery right away stops any further exposure to the offending agent, which is the fastest way to prevent the situation from getting worse. Once the infusion is stopped, quickly assess the patient’s condition—check vital signs, assess airway and breathing, and monitor for any progression of symptoms. After stopping the infusion, notify the physician or rapid response per your facility protocol so that they can determine the next steps (such as giving fluids or other treatments if ordered). Documentation and further actions come after the patient is stabilized.

The immediate action is to stop the infusion or hold the medication. Halting the drug delivery right away stops any further exposure to the offending agent, which is the fastest way to prevent the situation from getting worse. Once the infusion is stopped, quickly assess the patient’s condition—check vital signs, assess airway and breathing, and monitor for any progression of symptoms. After stopping the infusion, notify the physician or rapid response per your facility protocol so that they can determine the next steps (such as giving fluids or other treatments if ordered). Documentation and further actions come after the patient is stabilized.