**Core Concept**
The **pharmacokinetics** of dobutamine, a **catecholamine** used in the treatment of heart failure and cardiogenic shock, is crucial for understanding its clinical effects. Dobutamine's **half-life** determines how frequently it needs to be administered to maintain therapeutic levels.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Dobutamine has a short half-life, typically around **2 minutes**, which necessitates continuous intravenous infusion to achieve and maintain its desired **inotropic** and **chronotropic** effects. This rapid metabolism is due to the action of **catechol-O-methyltransferase** and **monoamine oxidase** enzymes.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect because it suggests a much longer half-life than dobutamine actually has.
**Option B:** Also incorrect as it overestimates the half-life.
**Option D:** Incorrect as it significantly underestimates the duration of action.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remembering that dobutamine has a very short half-life is crucial for managing patients who require continuous infusion to support cardiac function.

**Correct Answer:** D. 2 minutes