Generic Name
Dobutamine
Trade Name
Dobutrex
Indication
Short term management of heart failure
Action
Dobutamine has a positive inotropic effect (increases cardiac output) with very
little effect on heart rate. Stimulates Beta1 receptors in the heart.
Therapeutic Class
Inotropic
Pharmacologic Class
Beta-adrenergic agonist
Nursing Considerations
• Monitor hemodynamics: hypertension, ↑HR, PVCs
• Skin reactions may occur with hypersensitivity
• Beta blockers may negate therapeutic effects of dobutamine
• Monitor cardiac output
• Monitor peripheral pulses before, during, and after therapy
• DO NOT confuse dobutamine with dopamine
Cornell Note-Taking System Instructions:
- Record: During the lecture, use the note-taking column to record the lecture using telegraphic sentences.
- Questions: As soon after class as possible, formulate questions based onthe notes in the right-hand column. Writing questions helps to clarifymeanings, reveal relationships, establish continuity, and strengthenmemory. Also, the writing of questions sets up a perfect stage for exam-studying later.
- Recite: Cover the note-taking column with a sheet of paper. Then, looking at the questions or cue-words in the question and cue column only, say aloud, in your own words, the answers to the questions, facts, or ideas indicated by the cue-words.
- Reflect: Reflect on the material by asking yourself questions, for example: “What’s the significance of these facts? What principle are they based on? How can I apply them? How do they fit in with what I already know? What’s beyond them?
- Review: Spend at least ten minutes every week reviewing all your previous notes. If you do, you’ll retain a great deal for current use, as well as, for the exam.
For more information, visit www.nursing.com/cornell
