Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

Which of the following medications has primarily beta2 effects?

1. Nitroglycerine

2. Albuterol sulfate

3. Naloxone

4. Aspirin

The correct answer is: Albuterol sulfate

The medication with primarily beta2 effects is Albuterol sulfate. Albuterol is a selective beta2-adrenergic agonist, which means that it specifically targets the beta2 receptors found primarily in the bronchial smooth muscle. When Albuterol binds to these receptors, it causes bronchodilation, leading to improved airflow in patients with conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This action helps alleviate symptoms associated with bronchospasm. In contrast, nitroglycerine primarily acts on vascular smooth muscle, primarily affecting venous dilation, which reduces preload and is used to treat angina pectoris and heart failure. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that primarily acts on the central nervous system to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Aspirin is an antiplatelet medication that works mainly by inhibiting the formation of thromboxane A2, thereby preventing platelet aggregation and is not related to beta receptor activity. Thus, Albuterol sulfate stands out as the correct answer due to its specific action on beta2 adrenergic receptors.