AEMCA Practice Exam

Which medication is often used in the management of heart failure by improving cardiac output?

1. Lisinopril

2. Dobutamine

3. Amphetamine

4. Furosemide

The correct answer is: Dobutamine

Dobutamine is a medication that is frequently utilized in the management of heart failure specifically because it enhances cardiac output. It is a catecholamine that primarily acts as a beta-1 adrenergic agonist. By stimulating beta-1 receptors in the heart, dobutamine increases the force of contraction (inotropic effect) and improves the heart's ability to pump blood, which is critical in heart failure management. This makes it particularly useful in acute heart failure settings or in cases where other therapies are insufficient. Other medications listed serve different roles in heart failure treatment but do not primarily focus on improving cardiac output in the same direct way as dobutamine. For instance, lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that helps to lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart but does not acutely enhance cardiac output. Furosemide is a diuretic that reduces fluid overload, which can help relieve symptoms of heart failure but does not improve cardiac output directly. Amphetamines are not used in heart failure management and have different effects on the body that are not relevant to heart function. Thus, dobutamine stands out as the correct choice for its specific action in boosting cardiac output.