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What type of medication is albumin and what is its primary use?
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Albumin is a colloid and volume expander used for shock, hemorrhage, and burns.
Describe the mechanism of action of norepinephrine.
Stimulates alpha-1 receptors causing vasoconstriction and has minor beta-1 activity to increase cardiac output.
Which receptors does norepinephrine mainly target and what is the effect?
Alpha-1 receptors causing vasoconstriction and minor beta-1 activity increasing cardiac output.
What are the side effects of albumin administration?
Fluid volume overload, pulmonary edema, and hypertension.
What are the primary uses for norepinephrine?
Shock and severe hypotension.
List the side effects associated with norepinephrine.
Hypertension and dysrhythmias.
Identify the side effects of dobutamine.
Hypertension, dysrhythmias, and angina.
How does epinephrine affect the cardiovascular and respiratory systems?
Stimulates alpha-1 receptors causing vasoconstriction, beta-1 receptors in the heart to increase heart rate, and beta-2 receptors in the lungs causing bronchodilation.
For what medical emergencies is epinephrine commonly used?
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and advanced cardiac life support (Code Blue situations).
How does dobutamine primarily affect the cardiovascular system?
Stimulates beta-1 receptors to increase cardiac output with less effect on heart rate and blood pressure.
What parameters should be monitored when using dobutamine in critical care?
Vital signs, EKG, and hemodynamic parameters (pulmonary artery wedge pressure, central venous pressure), possibly using an arterial line.
For what conditions is dopamine typically used?
Shock, sepsis, heart failure, and renal failure.
What condition contraindicates the use of albumin?
Heart failure.
What receptors does dopamine stimulate and what are the effects?
Stimulates alpha-1 receptors (vasoconstriction), beta-1 receptors (increases cardiac output and heart rate), and dopaminergic receptors (increases renal perfusion).
What are the primary uses for dobutamine?
Heart failure and cardiogenic shock.
What monitoring is essential when administering dopamine to a patient?
Vital signs and EKG.
Explain the mechanism of action for albumin.
Draws fluid from extravascular space into the intravascular space to maintain osmotic pressure in the plasma.
What side effects should be monitored when administering epinephrine?
Hypertension, dysrhythmias, angina, nervousness, and tremor.
What is a common side effect shared by both epinephrine and norepinephrine?
What is the primary consideration before administering vasopressors to a patient in shock?
Always correct the patient's hypovolemia first.
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