Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that has effects throughout the body. One way in which dopamine can be used medically is in the treatment of hypovolemic shock, which occurs when a patient's blood volume is dangerously low. In this case, an infusion of dopamine will cause the heart to beat harder, which will help raise the patient's blood pressure and keep what blood remains pumping throughout the body. This is necessary to make sure that vital organs (such as the brain) get enough oxygen from the blood to avoid tissue damage.
Step 1
Prepare a solution of dopamine for infusion by taking a 250 milliliter bag of saline solution and adding 200 milligrams of dopamine to the bag. This is the recommended method by the Nursing Spectrum Drug Handbook. The dopamine should dissolve easily into the saline solution.
Step 2
Connect the dopamine/saline solution bag to a metered pump. Dopamine can only be administered as a continuous infusion if given intravenously, which means that it needs to be slowly injected into the patient's body over many hours. Metered pumps allow for the gradual IV administration of drugs.
Step 3
Replace the catheter or needle on the metered pump with a new, freshly opened catheter or needle. This is essential to ensure that you do not inject the patient with a dirty or contaminated needle.
Step 4
Insert the catheter/needle into a large vein. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, insertion of the catheter into a large vein is important in order to ensure that the catheter does not go through the vein.
Step 5
Program the metered pump to deliver the dopamine solution at the appropriate rate. RXList notes that generally 2-5 micrograms of dopamine per kilogram (weight of the patient) per minute should be used. For the dopamine solution made in step 1, the rate (in milliliters per minute) for a 2 microgram/kg/min infusion can be calculated using the following formula: 0.0025 x the weight of the patient (in kilograms). For a 5 microgram/kg/min infusion, that formula becomes 0.00625 x the weight of the patient (in kilograms).
Step 6
Check on the patient's progress and adjust the infusion rate accordingly. The RxList.com website points out that while the rates calculated in Step 5 are a good starting point, the infusion rates need to be tailored for each patient depending on the response of the patient's heart to the dopamine. Adjust the dosage so that the patient's blood pressure and blood oxygen levels are at acceptable levels.
Things You'll Need
- Metered pump
- Dopamine
- Saline solution
- Fresh catheter/needle
