Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

In the case of a wheezing patient, what medication is typically used for treatment?

1. Epinephrine

2. Albuterol

3. Activated charcoal

4. Atropine

The correct answer is: Albuterol

For a patient experiencing wheezing, the medication commonly used for treatment is albuterol. Albuterol is a bronchodilator, which means it works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, allowing them to open up wider. This action helps to alleviate wheezing by improving airflow and making it easier for the patient to breathe. Albuterol is typically administered via a metered-dose inhaler or nebulizer, making it effective for immediate relief of bronchospasm associated with conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Other medications listed are not suitable for treating wheezing specifically. Epinephrine may be used in severe allergic reactions and can cause bronchodilation, but it is usually reserved for anaphylaxis and not the first line for wheezing. Activated charcoal is not relevant in this context as it is used for ingested poison or overdose rather than respiratory distress. Atropine primarily has effects on the heart and may not effectively address airway constriction or bronchospasm. Thus, albuterol is the preferred and most appropriate choice for immediate treatment of wheezing.