Question

You are treating a patient who is severely hypotensive. You have attempted fluid resuscitation with your patient; however, the blood pressure is still 78/P. You are contacting medical command for possible orders to give Dopamine due to possible shock. What is the starting dose of Dopamine?

Answer 1

The initial Dopamine dosage for severe hypotension is typically 2 to 5 mcg/kg/min, adjusted based on the patient's response. Doses may be increased as needed up to 20 mcg/kg/min to achieve desired blood pressure levels, within institutional protocols and under physician guidance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The starting dose of Dopamine for a severely hypotensive patient after unsuccessful fluid resuscitation is typically calculated based on the patient's weight. Dopamine is typically started at a low dose of 2 to 5 micrograms per kilogram per minute (mcg/kg/min) and titrated to effect, with the goal of increasing blood pressure to a target range. The dosage can be increased up to 20 mcg/kg/min as needed for blood pressure support. It is important to monitor the patient's response continuously and adjust the rate of infusion accordingly to avoid potential side effects like tachycardia and excessive vasoconstriction.

It is crucial to follow your institution's protocols and consult with medical command or a physician for specific dosing instructions, particularly with critical care medications like Dopamine. Dosing may vary based on the clinical scenario and the individual patient's condition.