Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

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What effect does a positive inotropic medication have?

Increases heart rate
Decreases heart rate
Increases contractility
Alters conduction velocity

The correct answer is: Increases contractility

A positive inotropic medication is specifically designed to increase the strength of heart muscle contractions, which is referred to as contractility. This effect is crucial for patients with heart failure or other conditions where the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is compromised. By enhancing contractility, these medications improve cardiac output and can lead to better perfusion of tissues, ultimately supporting vital organ function. This mechanism of improving muscle contraction is foundational in the management of conditions such as congestive heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood due to weakened contractile function. Examples of positive inotropic agents include digoxin, dopamine (at certain doses), and dobutamine, all of which provide significant benefits in the management of heart muscle performance. The other options, while related to heart function, do not accurately describe the primary effect of positive inotropic medications, as they focus on changes in heart rate and conduction rather than contractility itself.