Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Intensive Care Medicine Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Discover detailed scenarios and multiple choice questions with in-depth explanations to enhance your preparation. Master ICM concepts and boost your exam readiness!

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What common side effect is associated with the treatment of beta-blockers for hypertension?

Bradycardia
Hyperkalemia
Hypotension
Headaches

The correct answer is: Bradycardia

Bradycardia is a well-known side effect of beta-blocker therapy used to manage hypertension. Beta-blockers work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which leads to a decrease in heart rate and contractility. This action is beneficial for patients with high blood pressure, as it reduces the workload on the heart and lowers blood pressure. However, in some patients, this reduction in heart rate can lead to bradycardia, especially when the dose is higher than recommended or in sensitive individuals. While hypotension can also be a consequence of beta-blocker use due to their blood pressure-lowering effect, bradycardia specifically pertains to the heart's rhythm and rate directly influenced by beta-blockers. Other potential side effects like hyperkalemia and headaches are less commonly linked to beta-blocker therapy in the context of treating hypertension and are therefore not the primary concerns associated with this class of medication.