Which of the following is a primary contraindication to albuterol administration?

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

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that an allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug itself is an absolute, primary contraindication. If a patient has a known allergy to albuterol, giving it could trigger a severe reaction, including anaphylaxis, so it must not be administered. The other scenarios aren’t absolute contraindications: being unable to ventilate for reasons other than bronchospasm doesn’t by itself ban bronchodilators—it may simply indicate the need for airway management in addition to treating bronchospasm. Hypertension can be a concern and requires caution, but it doesn’t automatically rule out albuterol. Pregnancy is not a contraindication; albuterol is commonly used when necessary because the benefits of treating bronchospasm often outweigh potential risks.