What is the purpose of norepinephrine in acute care?

• A. Vasoconstriction and improved contractility/output
• B. Vasodilation and decreased cardiac output
• C. Decreased systemic vascular resistance
• D. Relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle

Answer: (A)

In acute care, norepinephrine is used as a vasopressor to stabilize patients by increasing vascular tone and perfusion. Its primary action is alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction, which raises systemic vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure. At the same time, its beta-1 effects boost myocardial contractility, helping to improve cardiac output when perfusion is compromised. This combination makes it effective for rescuing blood pressure in shock and supporting organ perfusion.

The other descriptions don’t fit because norepinephrine does not cause vasodilation or reduced cardiac output; it increases vascular tone rather than lowers it. It also doesn’t relax bronchial smooth muscle—that effect is associated with beta-2 agonists, not norepinephrine.