CRNI Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

Dobutamine is a medication that belongs to the class of inotropic agents, which are used to increase heart contractility. It acts primarily on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to an increase in myocardial contractility and a boost in cardiac output. This is particularly beneficial in cases of heart failure or when there is a need for improved cardiac performance.

While dobutamine is known for its ability to enhance heart function, it can also cause side effects, including headaches. This is likely due to its vasodilatory effects or increased peripheral blood flow, which may lead to changes in cerebral circulation and result in headache symptoms.

In contrast, the other medications listed do not primarily enhance cardiac contractility in the same way or are not associated with headaches as a common side effect. Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting but does not affect heart contractility. Dopamine can increase contractility at higher doses, but is more commonly associated with other effects, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. Atropine serves as an anticholinergic agent, mainly used to increase heart rate by inhibiting vagal effects, rather than enhancing contractility.

Thus, dobutamine stands out as the correct choice