Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

What is a common side effect of administering epinephrine during anaphylaxis?

1. Bradycardia

2. Hypertension

3. Hypotension

4. Respiratory depression

The correct answer is: Hypertension

Administering epinephrine during anaphylaxis often leads to the side effect of hypertension. Epinephrine is a powerful vasoconstrictor and stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, which increases cardiac output and blood pressure. In the acute setting of anaphylaxis, where there is widespread vasodilation due to an allergic response, the elevation in blood pressure is a crucial therapeutic effect of this medication, helping counteract the low blood pressure that may occur during an anaphylactic reaction. This response is essential because it not only alleviates the symptoms of anaphylaxis but also helps restore adequate perfusion to vital organs. Understanding the pharmacological effects of epinephrine is critical for nurses, especially in a perianesthesia setting, where recognizing and responding to anaphylactic reactions can be a matter of patient safety and effective management.