ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which of the following is a vasopressor and may be used for an anaphylactic reaction or a cardiac arrest?

1. nitroglycerine

2. epinephrine

3. hydrocortisone

4. digitoxin

The correct answer is: epinephrine

The correct answer is epinephrine, which is a vasopressor commonly used in emergency situations such as anaphylactic reactions and cardiac arrest. As a sympathomimetic agent, epinephrine acts on both alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors. This dual action leads to vasoconstriction (which raises blood pressure) and increased heart rate and contractility, making it particularly effective in treating severe allergic reactions that can lead to anaphylaxis and managing cardiac arrest by restoring heart rhythms. In the context of anaphylaxis, epinephrine can rapidly reverse airway swelling and improve breathing by dilating the bronchioles, while also increasing cardiac output and perfusion to vital organs. For cardiac arrest, it helps to revive the heart's function and improve the chance of successful resuscitation. Other options provided do not have the same therapeutic effects. Nitroglycerine primarily acts as a vasodilator, which can lower blood pressure rather than raise it, making it unsuitable for conditions like anaphylaxis or cardiac arrest. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that can help in reducing inflammation but does not act as a vasopressor. Digitoxin, a cardiac glycoside, is used for certain heart conditions but does not function