Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What is a contraindication for the use of albuterol?

1. Persistent wheezing

2. Unresponsive patient

3. Allergic reaction

4. Chest pain

The correct answer is: Unresponsive patient

A contraindication refers to a specific situation or condition in which a particular medication should not be used because it could be harmful to the patient. Albuterol is a bronchodilator commonly used to relieve bronchospasm in conditions like asthma and other respiratory issues. In the case of an unresponsive patient, the use of albuterol may not be appropriate due to the risk of airway management challenges. If a patient is unresponsive, they may not be able to protect their airway, and the administration of albuterol could lead to complications such as aspiration. Additionally, the delivery method for albuterol generally requires patient cooperation, particularly with inhalers or nebulizers, which would not be feasible in someone who is unresponsive. Persistent wheezing is a symptom that typically indicates a need for bronchodilation, and an allergic reaction would warrant immediate cessation of the medication but does not inherently contraindicate its use in general. Chest pain could be managed while assessing the patient’s respiratory status, but being unresponsive poses a significant risk in terms of airway protection, making it the primary contraindication in this context.