What is a primary contraindication to albuterol administration?

• A. Known allergy to albuterol
• B. Inability to ventilate due to other causes
• C. Hypertension
• D. Pregnancy

Answer: (A)

The primary issue here is hypersensitivity to the drug. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that works by stimulating beta-2 receptors to relax airway smooth muscle. If a person has a known allergy to albuterol or to a component of the formulation, administering it could trigger a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, so it is contraindicated.

Other scenarios listed may require caution or management considerations, but they are not absolute contraindications. Inability to ventilate due to other causes might mean bronchodilation won’t fix the problem, but it doesn’t inherently make albuterol unsafe to try if bronchospasm is present. Hypertension and pregnancy are not contraindications to albuterol; it is used when clinically needed, with appropriate monitoring for potential tachycardia or blood pressure changes.