Assignment Task: Ms. Cruz is an 80-year-old in the critical care unit receiving treatment for shock. She is currently receiving Dopamine at 10 mcg/kg/min and Dobutamine at 10 mcg/kg/min with a stable blood pressure and heart rate. Currently, she is not able to interact with family or the health care team. Her medical history includes mild heart failure and mild hypertension, which are treated with oral medications. She has many family members with her, including a son who is using the Internet to gather information on her medications.
a. The son asks why his mother is on dopamine and dobutamine "when they are the same medication." How do you answer his question?
b. If the dopamine and dobutamine reach the maximum therapeutic range, what medication would you anticipate adding to help maintain blood pressure, heart rate, and tissue perfusion?