What is a common adverse effect of epinephrine during resuscitation?

Epinephrine is a critical medication used during resuscitation efforts, particularly in cases such as cardiac arrest. One of its primary actions is to stimulate the adrenergic receptors, which leads to an increase in heart rate and can also enhance myocardial contractility and peripheral vasoconstriction. This adrenergic stimulation is essential in attempting to restore effective circulation and maintain perfusion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

However, the stimulation of these receptors can also lead to potential adverse effects. The increase in heart rate can sometimes escalate to arrhythmias, meaning the heart can beat in an irregular and potentially dangerous manner due to the excitatory effects of epinephrine. This is especially concerning in a compromised heart during resuscitation, where the risk of ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia increases.

The other options do not accurately reflect the common adverse effects associated with epinephrine. For instance, decreased heart rate and bradycardia are counterintuitive to the pharmacological effects of epinephrine, which is known to increase heart rate. Hypoglycemia is not a direct effect of epinephrine; in fact, epinephrine can raise blood glucose levels, as it induces glycogenolysis. Thus,