What would be the most appropriate medication for a patient post CABG with a BP of 192/96?

Prepare for the Cardiac Surgery Certification Exam with quizzes. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions enhanced with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your CSC exam!

In the context of a patient who has just undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and presents with hypertension, nitroprusside is the most appropriate medication. Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator that works quickly to decrease blood pressure by relaxing smooth muscle in blood vessels, leading to a reduction in systemic vascular resistance. This rapid action can help restore hemodynamic stability in patients experiencing elevated blood pressure post-operatively.

The use of nitroprusside is particularly suitable in a post-CABG scenario, where the management of blood pressure is crucial for preventing undue stress on the heart and ensuring adequate perfusion to the grafts. Additionally, nitroprusside can be titrated easily based on the patient's response, providing an adaptable means of controlling blood pressure levels.

Other medications, while useful in different contexts, do not align as closely with the immediate need to manage post-surgical hypertension effectively. For instance, epinephrine primarily stimulates heart rate and contractility rather than directly targeting blood pressure reduction, which is not ideal in this scenario. Milrinone, though a positive inotrope, is more focused on cardiac contractility and may not address hypertension directly. Norepinephrine is typically used in cases

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