Which agent is listed as a vasopressor or inotrope for cardiogenic shock?

Which agent is listed as a vasopressor or inotrope for cardiogenic shock?

• A. Norepinephrine
• B. Dopamine
• C. Lidocaine
• D. Amlodipine

Answer: (B)

In cardiogenic shock you need a drug that both raises blood pressure and boosts heart pump function. Dopamine fits because its effects depend on the dose: at moderate to high doses it stimulates beta-1 receptors to increase heart rate and contractility (inotropy), and at higher doses it stimulates alpha receptors to cause vasoconstriction (vasopressor effect). This combination improves cardiac output and systemic perfusion when the heart is failing. The other options don’t provide that dual action: lidocaine is an antiarrhythmic, amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers BP, and while norepinephrine is a vasopressor with some inotropic effect, dopamine is the option that is listed as both a vasopressor and an inotrope for this scenario.

In cardiogenic shock you need a drug that both raises blood pressure and boosts heart pump function. Dopamine fits because its effects depend on the dose: at moderate to high doses it stimulates beta-1 receptors to increase heart rate and contractility (inotropy), and at higher doses it stimulates alpha receptors to cause vasoconstriction (vasopressor effect). This combination improves cardiac output and systemic perfusion when the heart is failing. The other options don’t provide that dual action: lidocaine is an antiarrhythmic, amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers BP, and while norepinephrine is a vasopressor with some inotropic effect, dopamine is the option that is listed as both a vasopressor and an inotrope for this scenario.