Question

This drug is a good choice for the treatment of hypovolemic shock because of its positive inotropic effects, ability to cause peripheral vasoconstriction with less tachycardia, resulting in increased cardiac output and improving hypotension. Which drug would the physician choose?

a. Dobutamine
b. Dopamine
c. Neosynephrine
d. Epinephrine

Answer 1

Neosynephrine (phenylephrine) is an appropriate drug choice for treating hypovolemic shock due to its capacity for increasing cardiac output and peripheral vasoconstriction with less risk of inducing tachycardia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The drug that is a suitable choice for the treatment of hypovolemic shock due to its positive inotropic effects, the ability to cause peripheral vasoconstriction with less tachycardia, thus increasing cardiac output and improving hypotension is Neosynephrine (phenylephrine). Unlike dopamine or dobutamine which can both increase heart rate significantly, phenylephrine primarily causes vasoconstriction with less effect on heart rate. It does not have the beta-adrenergic effects that lead to tachycardia but still provides a positive inotropic effect to improve cardiac output. Epinephrine could increase heart rate excessively, thus it’s not the best choice when a lesser increase in heart rate is desired. Neosynephrine is often used during hypovolemic shock to help maintain systemic vascular resistance and arterial pressure, while minimizing potential tachycardia.