Which of the following is an adverse effect of Epinephrine?

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Epinephrine, a sympathomimetic agent, is known for its potent vasoconstrictive and stimulatory effects on the heart and lungs. One significant adverse effect of epinephrine is a hypertensive crisis. This occurs due to its action of increasing cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance, which can lead to significant elevations in blood pressure.

In clinical scenarios, particularly during anaphylactic reactions or cardiac arrest treatments where epinephrine is used purposefully, the drug can cause the blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased systemic vascular resistance. This response can result in a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure, manifesting as a hypertensive crisis. Monitoring blood pressure is critical during epinephrine administration to prevent the complications associated with severely elevated blood pressure levels.

Other options like hypoglycemia, bradyarrhythmia, and respiratory depression are not typical adverse effects associated with epinephrine administration. Instead, epinephrine can cause increases in blood glucose levels, tachyarrhythmias, and respiratory stimulation, making hypertensive crisis the most relevant and dangerous risk associated with this drug.

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