Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

According to ACLS guidelines, when is dopamine the drug of choice for hypotension?

1. Hypokalemia is present

2. Hypovolemia is present

3. Hypokalemia is absent

4. Hypovolemia is absent

The correct answer is: Hypovolemia is absent

Dopamine is indicated as the drug of choice for managing hypotension when hypovolemia is absent. This means that dopamine can be effectively used in situations where fluid volume depletion is not an issue, and the patient's blood pressure needs to be supported through vasopressor effects. In cases where hypovolemic states are present, the priority would typically be to address the underlying fluid deficit through fluid resuscitation before utilizing dopamine, as the medication may not be as effective or appropriate when volume status is compromised. By selecting dopamine in the absence of hypovolemia, clinicians can take advantage of its ability to improve cardiac contractility and generate a positive inotropic effect, which can enhance overall cardiac output and ensure adequate perfusion to vital organs. Thus, when evaluating patients for hypotension, understanding the patient's volume status is crucial to determining the appropriate pharmacological intervention.