Which of the following is a potential outcome of using bronchodilators in respiratory emergencies?

In respiratory emergencies, the use of bronchodilators is primarily aimed at relieving airway obstruction, which is crucial for improving breathing. One of the key actions of bronchodilators is the relaxation of the smooth muscles surrounding the airways. This relaxation effectively widens the airways, allowing for improved airflow and oxygen exchange.

This outcome is beneficial in managing conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where bronchospasm or constricted airways can severely impede breathing. By relaxing these airway muscles, bronchodilators help facilitate easier breathing and can enhance overall respiratory function during emergencies.

The other options present situations that would not be desirable outcomes when administering bronchodilators. For example, decreased heart rate would not be a typical response, as bronchodilators can sometimes cause an increase in heart rate due to their stimulatory effects on the sympathetic nervous system. Increased airway resistance would negate the purpose of using bronchodilators, as the goal is to reduce resistance. Increased mucus production is also generally not a desirable effect of bronchodilators, as their use aims to improve airway patency rather than exacerbate mucus-related issues.