Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What is the recommended dose of epinephrine for treating hypotension in a post-cardiac arrest patient who achieves ROSC?

1. 0.1 to 0.5 mcg/kg per minute IV infusion

2. 1 to 3 mcg/kg per minute IV infusion

3. 5 to 10 mcg/kg per minute IV infusion

4. 0.01 to 0.1 mcg/kg per minute IV infusion

The correct answer is: 0.1 to 0.5 mcg/kg per minute IV infusion

The recommended dose of epinephrine for treating hypotension in a post-cardiac arrest patient who has achieved Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) is between 0.1 to 0.5 mcg/kg per minute as an intravenous infusion. This dosage range is supported by guidelines for managing hemodynamic stability in post-cardiac arrest care. Epinephrine acts as a vasopressor, which is particularly critical in such situations because patients may experience significant hypotension due to various factors, including the effects of resuscitation and the underlying cardiac condition. The chosen dosage allows for the titration of epinephrine to achieve optimal blood pressure results without the risks associated with higher doses, which could lead to complications such as excessive vasoconstriction or myocardial ischemia. Administering within the correct range ensures that the patient receives enough support to maintain perfusion to vital organs while minimizing potential adverse effects. Therefore, this dosing aligns well with the aim of restoring hemodynamic stability effectively in the post-cardiac arrest setting.