A patient is being administrated IV Mannitol. The specific assessment for safe administration of this drug is :

Question

Question

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KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Monitor urine output vigilantly

Rationale:

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic, primarily used to reduce intracranial pressure, intraocular pressure, or to promote diuresis in certain medical conditions. Its mechanism of action involves drawing water into the renal tubules, increasing urine output. Therefore, monitoring urine output is critical to assess the drug’s effectiveness and avoid complications such as fluid imbalances or dehydration.
By closely monitoring urine output, healthcare providers can ensure adequate renal function and detect any signs of renal impairment or failure early. This is essential because Mannitol's administration can occasionally lead to acute kidney injury if not properly monitored.
Maintaining vigilance over urine output also helps identify complications like electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypokalemia or hyponatremia), which can occur due to excessive diuresis. Immediate intervention is required if abnormalities are detected.
Regular monitoring of urine output ensures that the patient’s fluid status is maintained and prevents issues like dehydration or overloading of fluid, which could exacerbate underlying conditions.

Additional Information:

Mannitol is administered intravenously and must be used with caution in patients with preexisting renal or cardiac conditions. Alongside urine output, regular monitoring of serum electrolytes, blood pressure, and signs of fluid overload is essential.
To ensure safe administration, Mannitol should be filtered during infusion to prevent crystallization, as it can crystallize at lower temperatures. Proper storage and handling are vital for patient safety.

Explanation of Other Options:

Check for cyanosis

Rationale: Cyanosis refers to a bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor oxygenation. While monitoring oxygenation and signs of respiratory distress are essential in critical care, they are not specific to Mannitol administration. Cyanosis is not directly related to Mannitol's mechanism of action or its safety profile.

Weigh the patient daily

Rationale: Daily weight monitoring is commonly done to assess fluid balance, especially in conditions like heart failure or renal dysfunction. While weight monitoring is helpful in patients receiving diuretics, it is not the most specific or immediate assessment parameter for Mannitol administration compared to urine output.

Do liver function test 12 hourly

Rationale: Liver function tests are used to monitor hepatic health and assess for potential drug-induced liver injury. Mannitol is not metabolized by the liver; it is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys. Hence, liver function tests are unnecessary for monitoring Mannitol’s administration.

Conclusion:

Among the given options, monitoring urine output vigilantly is the most specific and clinically relevant assessment for the safe administration of Mannitol. This ensures therapeutic effectiveness, prevents complications, and enables timely intervention in case of adverse effects.