Pharmacology Proctored ATI Practice Exam

A therapeutic effect of dopamine IV in treating left ventricular failure is indicated by?

1. Decrease in heart rate

2. Increase in systolic blood pressure

3. Decrease in respiratory rate

4. Increase in urine output

The correct answer is: Increase in systolic blood pressure

A decrease in heart rate would suggest a decrease in the cardiac output, which is counterproductive in treating left ventricular failure. Increasing the heart rate would improve CO by providing more blood flow to the body. A decrease in respiratory rate would not be a direct indicator of a therapeutic effect of dopamine IV, as it could potentially be caused by other factors such as sedation or respiratory depression. Increasing urine output could be one potential benefit of dopamine IV, but it is not a direct indicator of a therapeutic effect. In contrast, an increase in systolic blood pressure would directly indicate a positive response to the dopamine IV, as increased blood pressure can help improve cardiac output and perfusion to the body. This is why B is the correct answer.