Question

A nurse is assessing an adolescent after the administration of epinephrine. What side effect is most important for the nurse to identify?

a. Tachycardia

b. Hypoglycemia

c. Constricted pupils

d. Decreased blood pressure

Answer 1

The most important side effect of epinephrine administration in an adolescent is tachycardia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important side effect for the nurse to identify after the administration of epinephrine in an adolescent is tachycardia (a).

Epinephrine is a medication that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and cardiac output. Tachycardia is an abnormally fast heart rate, and it is a common side effect of epinephrine administration.

Hypoglycemia (b) is not a common side effect of epinephrine administration. Epinephrine can actually raise blood sugar levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen into glucose.

Constricted pupils (c) are not a side effect of epinephrine administration. Norepinephrine, a similar medication, constricts pupils.

Decreased blood pressure (d) is not the most important side effect to identify after the administration of epinephrine. Epinephrine increases blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.