Dopamine

Question 1

Dopamine:
Classification -
1. (List of 3)

Answer 1

Classification -

1. Alpha/beta adrenergic stimulator. Sympathomimetic. Dopaminergic.

Question 2

Dopamine:
Action - 
1. \_\_\_
2. At low dose of 1-5 mcg/kg/minute: \_\_\_
3. At dose of 2-20 mcg/kg/minute: \_\_\_
4. At dose of 10-20 mcg/kg/minute: \_\_\_

Answer 2

Action -

1. Increases blood pressure.
2. At low dose of 1-5 mcg/kg/minute: dopaminergic effects occur resulting in vasodilation of renal, mesenteric, and cerebral arteries increasing renal blood flow and urine output, but may not increase pulse or BP.
3. At dose of 2-20 mcg/kg/minute: beta adrenergic effects (increased contractibility and chronotropic effect) occur resulting in increased cardiac output with minimal changes in systemic vascular resistance or preload.
4. At dose of 10-20 mcg/kg/minute: alpha-adrenergic effects occur resulting in vasoconstriction in the renal, mesenteric and peripheral arteries and veins.

Question 3

Dopamine:
Onset of Action -
1. ___

Answer 3

Onset of Action -

1. 5 minutes.

Question 4

Dopamine:
Duration of Action -
1. ___

Answer 4

Duration of Action -

1. 10 minutes after infusion ends.

Question 5

Dopamine:
Indication -
1. \_\_\_
2. \_\_\_
3. \_\_\_

Answer 5

Indication -

1. Symptomatic hypotension secondary to non-hypovolemic states.
2. Low cardiac output states such as cardiogenic, anaphylactic, septic or neurogenic shock.
3. Symptomatic bradycardia after atropine/pacing.

Question 6

Dopamine:
Contraindication -
1. \_\_\_
2. \_\_\_
3. \_\_\_

Answer 6

Contraindication -

1. Uncorrected tachyarrhythmia due to hypovolemia.
2. Ventricular fibrillation.
3. Hypovolemic Shock.

Question 7

Dopamine:
Use with Caution -
1. ___
2. ___

Answer 7

Use with Caution -

1. Avoid extravasation of dopamine into surrounding tissue. If intravenous infusion infiltrates, it must be immediately removed. Notify the physician.
2. Do not mix sodium bicarbonate or similar alkaline solutions, because inactivation of dopamine will result.

Question 8

Dopamine:
Dosage and Administration -
1. Dopamine must be ___ prior to administration; mix ___
a. Usual infusion rate ranges from ___

Answer 8

Dosage and Administration -
1. Dopamine must be diluted prior to administration; mix 400 mg in 250 mL NS with a micro-drip (1,600 mcg/mL).
a. Usual infusion rate ranges from 2-20
mcg/kg/minute, titrating to individual patient
response.

Question 9

Dopamine:
Dosage and Administration -
1. May use: Duggan Formula.
     a. Estimate the \_\_\_
     b. Cross off the \_\_\_
     c. At \_\_\_ gtts/minute, \_\_\_

Answer 9

Dosage and Administration -
1. May use: Duggan Formula.
a. Estimate the patient’s weight in pounds.
b. Cross off the 3rd digit of the weight in pounds to
get gtts/minute, e.g. 183 pounds = 18.
c. At 18 gtts/minute, you will be administering 5-6
mcg/kg/minute.

Question 10

Dopamine:
Dosage and Administration -
1. May use: Patient weight in kg (see chart).
Microdrops per minute ( or \_\_\_).
400 mg in 250 mL NS (\_\_\_ mcg/mL)

Answer 10

Dosage and Administration -
1. May use: Patient weight in kg (see chart).
Microdrops per minute ( or mL/hr).
400 mg in 250 mL NS (1600 mcg/mL).

Question 11

Dopamine:
Adverse Reaction -
1. (List of 3)

Answer 11

Adverse Reaction -
1. Hypertension, Supraventricular tachycardia, Ventricular arrhythmias (premature ventricular contractions, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation).