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Multiple Choice

Which best describes epinephrine's mechanism of action?

Epinephrine works by stimulating adrenergic receptors to produce vasoconstriction in the blood vessels and bronchodilation in the airways. Activation of alpha-1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle causes vasoconstriction, helping reduce edema and support blood pressure. Activation of beta-2 receptors on bronchial smooth muscle causes bronchodilation, opening the airways for easier breathing. This combination explains why vasoconstriction and bronchodilation is the best description of its mechanism. It does not cause bronchoconstriction, it does cause vasoconstriction rather than dilation in the systemic circulation, and it does not increase mucus production.

Epinephrine works by stimulating adrenergic receptors to produce vasoconstriction in the blood vessels and bronchodilation in the airways. Activation of alpha-1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle causes vasoconstriction, helping reduce edema and support blood pressure. Activation of beta-2 receptors on bronchial smooth muscle causes bronchodilation, opening the airways for easier breathing. This combination explains why vasoconstriction and bronchodilation is the best description of its mechanism. It does not cause bronchoconstriction, it does cause vasoconstriction rather than dilation in the systemic circulation, and it does not increase mucus production.