Autonomic: beta-2 agonist adverse effects: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pharmacology · Autonomic: beta-2 agonist adverse effects

Sample item

A patient with severe asthma receives repeated nebulised salbutamol and develops palpitations and muscle cramps. Which metabolic abnormality is expected?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Hypokalaemia

Beta-2 stimulation activates the sodium-potassium ATPase in muscle, shifting potassium into cells and lowering serum potassium. This is exacerbated by steroids and diuretics, and the effect is exploited to treat hyperkalaemia.

Option by option

  • A. Hypercalcaemia

    Hypercalcaemia is not caused by beta-2 agonists.

  • B. Hypernatraemia

    Hypernatraemia is not a typical effect.

  • C. Hypokalaemia (correct)

    Correct. Beta-2 agonists drive potassium into cells.

  • D. Hyperkalaemia

    Hyperkalaemia would be the opposite shift.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is C, Hypokalaemia. Beta-2 stimulation activates the sodium-potassium ATPase in muscle, shifting potassium into cells and lowering serum potassium.

Why is "Hypercalcaemia" not the answer?

Hypercalcaemia is not caused by beta-2 agonists.

Why is "Hypernatraemia" not the answer?

Hypernatraemia is not a typical effect.

Why is "Hyperkalaemia" not the answer?

Hyperkalaemia would be the opposite shift.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Autonomic: beta-2 agonist adverse effects in Pharmacology. This is exacerbated by steroids and diuretics, and the effect is exploited to treat hyperkalaemia.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Autonomic: beta-2 agonist adverse effects?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.