Which symptoms are serious adverse effects of beta-adrenergic blockers like propranolol (Inderal)?

Explore the Evolve Pharmacology Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Excel in your exam!

Beta-adrenergic blockers, such as propranolol, are primarily used to manage conditions like hypertension, anxiety, and certain types of arrhythmias. However, they can lead to serious adverse effects, particularly affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Wheezing is a significant concern as beta-blockers can cause bronchoconstriction, especially in individuals with asthma or reactive airway disease. Hypotension is another critical effect due to the medication's action of decreasing heart rate and cardiac output, potentially leading to dangerous drops in blood pressure. Lastly, AV block refers to the impairment of electrical conduction between the atria and ventricles of the heart, which can result in serious arrhythmias and impair normal heart function. These three symptoms highlight the potential life-threatening nature of beta-blocker side effects and warrant close monitoring in patients prescribed these medications.

The other options contain symptoms that are either less directly related to the pharmacological effects of beta blockers or represent adverse effects that are not typically classified as serious. Therefore, the presence of wheezing, hypotension, and AV block distinctly identifies the correct answer as indicative of serious adverse reactions to beta-adrenergic blockers.

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