Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is a possible side effect of epinephrine?

1. Weight gain

2. Headache

3. Respiratory depression

4. Skin rash

The correct answer is: Headache

Epinephrine, commonly used in emergency situations such as anaphylaxis, can trigger various physiological responses in the body. One possible side effect is a headache, which can occur due to increased blood pressure and elevated heart rate, both of which are direct effects of epinephrine. As the body responds to the medication, fluctuations in blood flow and changes in cerebral circulation can lead to the occurrence of headaches. In this context, weight gain is not a recognized side effect of epinephrine; rather, it is typically associated with long-term factors like diet and lifestyle. Respiratory depression is generally not a side effect of epinephrine; it is more likely associated with sedative medications or conditions affecting the respiratory system. Similarly, while skin rash can be seen in some allergic reactions, it is not a commonly associated side effect of epinephrine itself. Hence, a headache stands out as a relevant side effect due to the vascular changes induced by the medication.