The patient has experienced hypovolemic shock as a result of severe burns. The physician orders a low dose of dopamine (Intropin). What is the best evaluation by the nurse?

Question

1. Vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure
2. Stabilization of fluid loss
3. Urinary output of at least 50 mL/hour
4. Increased cardiac output

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: Vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure occur with high, not low, doses of dopamine (Intropin) when alpha-adrenergic receptors are stimulated.
Rationale 2: Dopamine (Intropin) does not prevent or stabilize fluid loss.
Rationale 3: At low doses, dopamine (Intropin) stimulates dopaminergic receptors, especially in the kidneys, leading to vasodilation and an increased blood flow through the kidneys.
Rationale 4: Increased cardiac output occurs with high, not low, doses of dopamine (Intropin) when beta1-adrenergic receptors are stimulated.
Global Rationale: At low doses, dopamine (Intropin) stimulates dopaminergic receptors, especially in the kidneys, leading to vasodilation and an increased blood flow through the kidneys. Increased cardiac output occurs with high, not low, doses of dopamine (Intropin) when beta1-adrenergic receptors are stimulated. Vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure occurs with high, not low, doses of dopamine (Intropin) when alpha-adrenergic receptors are stimulated. Dopamine (Intropin) does not prevent or stabilize fluid loss.