Which adverse effect is commonly associated with adrenaline administration?

Prepare for the New South Wales Ambulance Pharmacology Exam with comprehensive quizzes featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions. Master the material with detailed hints and explanations to boost your confidence and ensure success.

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a medication commonly used in emergency situations, particularly for anaphylactic shock, cardiac arrest, and severe asthma exacerbations. One of the well-recognized adverse effects of adrenaline administration is anxiety. This occurs due to adrenaline's stimulating effects on the central nervous system, which can lead to feelings of nervousness, agitation, or restlessness.

Adrenaline is a sympathomimetic agent, which means that it mimics the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. This activation can result in heightened alertness and increased heart rate, both of which can contribute to feelings of anxiety in patients receiving this medication. The emotional response may vary from mild nervousness to acute anxiety, making it a significant consideration in patient care.

Other potential adverse effects of adrenaline include changes in cardiovascular dynamics, such as hypertension and tachycardia, which do not align with the anxiety response. Notably, while adrenaline can lead to tachycardia, the opposite effect, bradycardia, is typically not associated with its use. Respiratory depression is not a common effect of adrenaline either; in fact, adrenaline is often administered specifically to improve respiratory function in certain emergency scenarios.

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