A patient of septic shock was given intravenous norepinephrine. The response to this drug is best checked by:
(A) Increase in hea rate (B) Decrease in hea rate (C) Increase in mean aerial pressure (D) Decreased renal perfusion and reduced urine output
(C) Ans. c. Increase in mean aerial pressureNoradrenaline is a powerful peripheral vasoconstrictor and inotrope and used in patients of septic shock and cardiogenic shock. Noradrenaline causes peripheral vasoconstriction thereby increasing diastolic blood pressure as well as venous return. The increase in diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure can increase mean aerial pressure (MAP) which is the therapeutic outcome expected in any septic shock patient as a response to vasopressor.