What is the recommended infusion rate for epinephrine in managing symptomatic bradycardia unresponsive to atropine?

The recommended infusion rate for epinephrine in managing symptomatic bradycardia unresponsive to atropine is 2-10 mcg/kg per min. This dosage aligns with current advanced cardiovascular life support protocols, which recommend this range to effectively increase heart rate and improve hemodynamic stability in patients experiencing significant bradycardia.

Epinephrine acts primarily as a sympathomimetic agent, increasing heart rate and myocardial contractility, thereby helping to address the critical issues causing symptomatic bradycardia when atropine is ineffective. The specific range given allows for flexibility based on the patient's response and the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider, ensuring tailored treatment to each patient’s needs while minimizing the risk of adverse effects related to higher doses.

In contrast, the other options either provide dosages that are too low or too high, which may not achieve the desired therapeutic effects quickly or could pose significant risks of side effects, such as increased heart rate that may lead to tachycardia or other complications.