CNS Pharmacology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 63-year-old man with urosepsis presents with hypotension (BP 78/52 mmHg), tachycardia (HR 118 bpm), tachypnea (RR 22), fever (39.2°C), and altered mental status despite aggressive fluid resuscitation. Physical examination reveals warm extremities and no peripheral edema. Lactate is elevated at 4.2 mmol/L. A vasopressor agent is initiated that increases systemic vascular resistance primarily through alpha-1 adrenergic receptor stimulation while modestly enhancing cardiac contractility. Which drug was most likely administered?
Answer choices
- AAdenosine
- BIsoproterenol
- CDobutamine
- DMilrinone
- ENorepinephrineCorrect answer
- FPhenylephrine
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