Endocrine System MCQ Questions Related

Review Endocrine System MCQ Questions related questions and content

Some medications for relief of cold/allergy symptoms contain pseudoephedrine, which acts as a decongestant. If a patient who is taking an MAO inhibitor takes pseudoephedrine, what is the likely outcome?

  • A. Acute bronchospasm/asthma due to ACh release from the adrenal medulla
  • B. Hypertensive crisis, possible stroke
  • C. Heart rate and contractile force would drop significantly and quickly
  • D. The cold symptoms would quickly get worse (increased secretions)
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: MAO inhibitors prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine.
Step 2: Pseudoephedrine stimulates the release of norepinephrine.
Step 3: The combination can lead to excessive norepinephrine, causing hypertension and potential stroke.
Therefore, the likely outcome when a patient taking an MAO inhibitor also takes pseudoephedrine is a hypertensive crisis and possible stroke (Choice B).

Summary:
- Choice A (acute bronchospasm/asthma due to ACh release from the adrenal medulla) is incorrect because pseudoephedrine does not directly cause this response.
- Choice C (heart rate and contractile force would drop significantly and quickly) is incorrect as pseudoephedrine tends to increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Choice D (the cold symptoms would quickly get worse - increased secretions) is incorrect as pseudoephedrine is a decongestant and would not worsen cold symptoms