Monday, October 04, 2010

Acidosis and dopamine

"If you're monitoring a patient receiving dopamine (Intropin) and the dopamine isn't raising his blood pressure as expected, check the patient's pH. A pH level below 7.1, which can happen in severe metabolic acidosis, causes resistance to vasopressor therapy. Correct the pH level and the dopamine may be more effective."


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Source: Expert LPN Guides: Fluids & Electrolytes (2007), p.169.

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