A 45-year-old man presents with sudden severe headache, profuse diaphoresis, and palpitations. Vital signs: BP 220/140 mmHg, HR 118/min, RR 16/min, Temp 37.2°C. Labs show elevated plasma free metanephrines (1,200 pg/mL; normal <90). CT abdomen reveals a 3-cm right adrenal mass. He denies chest pain. Prior to surgical removal, he receives phentolamine followed by propranolol. Why is this sequential drug administration order critical for patient safety?

  1. A)The order is irrelevant if both drugs are given before surgery
  2. B)Propranolol must precede phentolamine to prevent tachycardia
  3. C)Propranolol potentiates phentolamine's hypotensive effect
  4. D)Phentolamine must precede propranolol to prevent unopposed alpha effectsGABARITO
  5. E)Phentolamine causes reflex tachycardia that propranolol prevents when given first

Explicação

Phentolamine (alpha blocker) must be given first to block vascular alpha-1 receptors and prevent hypertensive crisis. Propranolol (beta blocker) is then added to control reflex tachycardia caused by phentolamine's vasodilation. If propranolol were given first ... Ver explicação completa e trilha adaptativa →

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