Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

What is an important principle of epinephrine during resuscitation?

1. Improve plasma and blood volume expansion

2. Increase effects of sympathetic nervous system

3. Promote peripheral vasoconstriction

4. Facilitate oxygen delivery to tissues

The correct answer is: Promote peripheral vasoconstriction

Epinephrine plays a critical role during resuscitation, and one of its primary actions is to promote peripheral vasoconstriction. This effect is particularly important in the context of cardiac arrest or severe hypotension, where blood flow to vital organs needs to be prioritized. By constricting peripheral blood vessels, epinephrine helps to redirect blood flow towards the heart and brain, which are crucial for maintaining life. This enhanced focus on perfusion increases the chances of successfully restoring a functional cardiac rhythm and improving overall outcome during resuscitation efforts. While other aspects such as improving sympathetic nervous system effects or facilitating oxygen delivery to tissues are relevant in different contexts, they do not encompass the immediate and vital action of epinephrine in the specific scenario of resuscitation. Plasma and blood volume expansion is more related to fluid resuscitation and does not directly involve the mechanism of action of epinephrine as a vasopressor agent.