A 70 year old man develops pneumonia and septicemia. Patient goes into renal failure and has a BP of 70/50 mm of Hg. Drug that should be used to maintain BP is –
## **Core Concept**
The question tests the management of septic shock, specifically the use of vasopressors to maintain blood pressure in a patient with renal failure and hypotension. The patient is in septic shock, which is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt intervention to restore blood pressure and perfusion of vital organs.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **Norepinephrine**, is a potent alpha-adrenergic agonist that causes vasoconstriction, increasing peripheral resistance and blood pressure. It is the first-line vasopressor recommended by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines for septic shock that is unresponsive to fluid resuscitation. Norepinephrine has a rapid onset of action and can be titrated to achieve the desired blood pressure.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A: Dopamine** - While dopamine can increase blood pressure through its vasoconstrictive effects at high doses, it is not the preferred agent due to its potential to cause tachycardia and arrhythmias. Additionally, its effect on blood pressure is less predictable compared to norepinephrine.
* **Option B: Dobutamine** - Dobutamine is a beta-adrenergic agonist that primarily increases cardiac output and is not typically used as a first-line agent to increase blood pressure in septic shock.
* **Option D: Epinephrine** - Epinephrine is a potent vasopressor that can be used in septic shock, but it is usually reserved for patients who are unresponsive to norepinephrine or have severe hypotension.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that in septic shock, the goal is to maintain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of at least 65 mmHg to ensure adequate perfusion of vital organs. Norepinephrine is often the preferred vasopressor due to its efficacy and safety profile.
## **Correct Answer:** . **Norepinephrine**