A patient in septic shock is treated with a dopamine (Intropin) infusion of 10 mcg/kg/min.

Dopamine, when administered at a dose of 10 mcg/kg/min, acts primarily as an alpha-adrenergic agonist, leading to vasoconstriction. This results in increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and increased mean arterial pressure (MAP), which are desired outcomes in the treatment of septic shock. This effect helps improve perfusion to vital organs and stabilize hemodynamics in patients with septic shock. References: =

CCRN (Adult) Certification Review Course Online: Cardiovascular and Hemodynamics.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). (2024). CCRN Exam Handbook. Retrieved from AACN CCRN Exam Handbook

Adult CCRN/CCRN-E/CCRN-K Certification Review Course Online. AACN