Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

Which patient condition would require caution when prescribing beta-blockers?

1. Heart failure

2. Diabetes

3. Asthma

4. Hypertension

The correct answer is: Asthma

Beta-blockers can cause bronchoconstriction due to their mechanism of action, which may exacerbate respiratory conditions, particularly asthma. They work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which can lead to tightening of the airways in sensitive individuals. In asthmatic patients, this can result in increased difficulty breathing and may trigger asthma attacks, making it crucial for healthcare providers to exercise caution when prescribing beta-blockers to these patients. In contrast, while other conditions such as heart failure or diabetes require careful monitoring and specific consideration during treatment, they do not pose the same immediate risk of respiratory distress associated with the use of beta-blockers. Patients with hypertension may also be treated with beta-blockers, though with some considerations related to their overall cardiovascular health. Thus, asthma is particularly noteworthy because it presents a distinct risk related to the use of beta-blocker therapy.