A 2-year-old child in septic shock is receiving nitroprusside (Nipride).

Nitroprusside is used invasodilatory shockto reduce afterload andlower systemic vascular resistance (SVR). A persistently elevated SVR (normal: ~800–1200 dynes/sec/cm⁻⁵) indicatesineffective vasodilation, necessitating an increase in dosage to optimize cardiac output.

“SVR is an essential parameter in the management of septic shock. Nitroprusside is titrated to decrease SVR and improve tissue perfusion. A persistently high SVR suggests inadequate response to therapy.”

(Referenced from CCRN Pediatric – Direct Care: Cardiovascular Shock and Hemodynamic Monitoring)