Dopamine in acute care is used to

• A. Lower blood glucose
• B. Treat distributive shock and maintain cardiac output
• C. Increase hydration
• D. Reduce oxygen carrying capacity

Answer: (B)

Dopamine in acute care is used as a vasoactive inotrope to support circulation in shock. In distributive shock, there’s widespread vasodilation and reduced systemic vascular resistance, which lowers blood pressure and organ perfusion. Dopamine stimulates beta-1 receptors to increase heart contractility and cardiac output, while also activating alpha receptors to raise vascular tone. This combination helps restore mean arterial pressure and improve perfusion to vital organs, making it the appropriate choice for treating distributive shock and maintaining cardiac output. It isn’t used to lower blood glucose, isn’t a hydration enhancer, and doesn’t reduce oxygen-carrying capacity.