A client presents to the clinic with concerns that they are using their albuterol inhaler more frequently than prescribed. Which clinical finding should the nurse anticipate?

A. Lethargy: Lethargy is not typically associated with overuse of albuterol. Albuterol is a beta-2 agonist that primarily stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which usually increases alertness rather than causing sedation. B. Weight gain: Weight gain is not a known side effect of albuterol overuse. Albuterol’s effects are more acute and related to cardiovascular and respiratory systems rather than fluid retention or metabolic changes that cause weight gain. C. Hypotension: Albuterol can cause mild vasodilation, but hypotension is not a common clinical finding with overuse. Instead, sympathetic stimulation often leads to increased heart rate and blood pressure fluctuations rather than consistent low blood pressure. D. Tachycardia: Overuse of albuterol can lead to tachycardia because it stimulates beta-1 receptors in the heart along with beta-2 receptors in the lungs. Frequent use may indicate poor asthma control and can manifest as palpitations, elevated heart rate, and potential arrhythmias.