Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

Which type of monitoring is essential when administering continuous infusion of vasoactive drugs in children?

1. Temperature monitoring

2. Cardiac rhythm monitoring

3. Fluid intake monitoring

4. Respiratory rate monitoring

The correct answer is: Cardiac rhythm monitoring

When administering continuous infusions of vasoactive drugs in pediatric patients, cardiac rhythm monitoring is essential due to the specific physiologic effects these medications can have on the cardiovascular system. Vasoactive drugs are designed to influence blood pressure and cardiac output by constricting or dilating blood vessels, which can lead to significant changes in heart rate and rhythm. Continuous monitoring of cardiac rhythm allows for the early detection of arrhythmias or other cardiac complications that may arise from fluctuations in blood pressure or heart rate due to the vasoactive agents. Since these medications can cause both tachycardia and bradycardia, real-time monitoring enables timely interventions should any abnormalities occur. While monitoring temperature, fluid intake, and respiratory rate are important aspects of comprehensive care in pediatric patients, they are not as critical in the context of vasoactive drug administration compared to cardiac rhythm monitoring. The focus on heart rhythm is directly tied to the safety and efficacy of vasoactive medications in maintaining hemodynamic stability.