Dopamine Review

Question 1

Dopamine can be useful in cardiogenic shock. What are the S/S of cardiogenic shock?

Answer 1

• Chest pain/chest tightness
• Rales/crackles in lungs
• Pedal edema
• Dyspnea
• Diaphoresis
• N/V

Question 2

Explain the pathophysiology of rales/edema in cardiogenic shock.

Answer 2

Cardiogenic shock is a “pump problem.” In this case, outflow to both the systemic and pulmonic circuits is decreased. This increases stagnant blood (and therefore capillary hydrostatic pressure) causes plasma to be filtered out into the alveoli.

Question 3

What is the minimum SBP dopamine achieved through titration in cardiogenic shock?

a. 80 mmHg
b. 90 mmHg
c. 100 mmHg
d. 110 mmHg

Answer 3

c. 100 mmHg

Question 4

What is the beginning infusion rate of dopamine in cardiogenic shock?

Answer 4

24 gtt/min (2 drops every 10 seconds)