Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

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What does a high heart rate above 150 beats per minute indicate in relation to albuterol administration?

Go ahead with administration
Consider reducing the dosage
Stop the treatment
Switch to a different medication

The correct answer is: Stop the treatment

A high heart rate above 150 beats per minute indicates significant tachycardia, which is a common side effect of bronchodilators like albuterol. This medication stimulates the beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs, leading to bronchodilation, but it can also stimulate beta-1 receptors affecting the heart, which can cause an increase in heart rate. When a patient exhibits such a high heart rate, it raises concerns about potential cardiovascular stress and the risk of exacerbating the patient's condition. Continuing treatment with albuterol in the presence of high heart rate may not be appropriate as it can lead to further complications, including increased myocardial oxygen demand or even arrhythmias. Therefore, stopping the treatment is advisable to prevent these adverse effects and ensure patient safety. Monitoring the patient's condition and considering alternative treatment strategies or medication management comes next once albuterol is halted, as patient stability must be prioritized.