Expected outcome of dopamine is?

PGIMER NO - 2020

Pharmacology

Easy

Appeared in: PGIMER NO - 2020

Explanation

Dopamine is a sympathomimetic drug, classified as a vasoactive adrenergic agent, primarily used to treat shock and severe hypotension.
The main expected therapeutic outcome is an increase in blood pressure, especially when treating hypotensive states.
This effect is dose-dependent. At high doses, dopamine stimulates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, causing vasoconstriction and a subsequent rise in blood pressure.
At moderate doses, it stimulates beta-1 receptors, increasing cardiac contractility and output, which also contributes to raising blood pressure.

Option A: This is the opposite of dopamine's primary effect. Dopamine is a vasopressor, meaning it constricts blood vessels to raise blood pressure.
Option B: While stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system can slow down gastrointestinal motility (peristalsis), this is a secondary side effect of dopamine, not its intended therapeutic purpose.
Option D: This option is incorrect because 'Increases blood pressure' is a valid and primary expected outcome of dopamine therapy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacological action of Dopamine as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must continuously monitor blood pressure and heart rate during a dopamine infusion to titrate the dose effectively and prevent dangerous hypertension or tachycardia.
Extravasation (leakage from the vein) of dopamine, a vesicant, can cause severe tissue necrosis. The IV site must be assessed frequently for signs of infiltration like swelling, coolness, or pain. An antidote (phentolamine) should be readily available.
What if? If a patient on a high-dose dopamine infusion develops severe tachycardia and new-onset arrhythmias, the nurse should immediately report this to the provider. They should anticipate an order to decrease the infusion rate or switch to a different vasopressor like norepinephrine, which has a more potent alpha-agonist effect with less beta-1 stimulation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the 'expected outcome' of the drug dopamine.
Recall the drug class and primary use of dopamine. It is a sympathomimetic and a vasopressor, commonly used in critical care settings.
Think about what 'vasopressor' means. These are drugs that 'press' up or raise blood pressure, usually by constricting blood vessels.
Evaluate the options based on this primary function. 'Increases blood pressure' directly aligns with the definition and clinical use of a vasopressor.
Rule out the other options. 'Decrease blood pressure' is the opposite effect. 'Reducing peristalsis' is a possible side effect of sympathetic stimulation but not the primary reason the drug is given.
Conclude that increasing blood pressure is the most accurate and primary expected outcome.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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