The action of medication is inotropic when it:
A. Decreased afterload.
B. Increases heart rate.
C. Increases the force of contraction.
D. Is used to treat CHF.
Correct Answer: C. Increases the force of contraction.
Inotropic drugs increase the force of contraction. Preload, not afterload, is decreased. Chronotropic drugs increase heart rate. Treatment of CHF is an indication for use not an action of the inotropic drug. Inotropes increase cardiac contractility which improves cardiac output (CO), aiding in maintaining MAP and perfusion to the body.
Option A: Vasodilation can also be achieved with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Medications from these categories achieve a reduction in afterload–and consequently less myocardial workload–by promoting vasodilation.
Option B: Atropine is used to increase heart rate through vagolytic effects, causing an increase in cardiac output.
Option D: Doctors usually treat heart failure with a combination of medications. Depending on the symptoms, the client might take one or more medications, including Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These drugs help people with systolic heart failure live longer and feel better.