What is the expected effect of subcutaneous epinephrine for a teenage client who has not responded to rescue inhaler therapy?

Epinephrine, when administered subcutaneously, acts as a potent bronchodilator. In cases where a teenage client has not responded to a rescue inhaler (which typically contains short-acting beta-agonists), subcutaneous epinephrine can provide rapid relief from bronchospasm and improve airflow in the lungs. This effect occurs due to epinephrine's stimulation of beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, leading to relaxation and widening of the airways.

The speed of this response is crucial in emergency situations, particularly during an acute asthma attack or severe allergic reaction where bronchodilation is needed. While epinephrine may also have other effects, such as increasing heart rate or affecting consciousness, its primary and most immediate benefit in this context is to relieve airway constriction effectively, which is why bronchodilation is identified as the expected effect.