For which patient would the use of beta-blockers be considered inappropriate?

The use of beta-blockers may be considered inappropriate for a patient with asthma due to the potential for these medications to exacerbate bronchospasm. Beta-blockers can cause bronchial constriction, particularly non-selective beta-blockers, which block both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors. In patients with asthma, this could lead to acute respiratory issues or worsening of their condition, making it crucial to exercise caution.

In contrast, beta-blockers are commonly used in patients with stable angina, hypertension, and those with a history of myocardial infarction. In these cases, beta-blockers help to reduce heart rate, decrease myocardial oxygen demand, and provide cardioprotection. Therefore, while beneficial for many cardiovascular conditions, their use in patients with respiratory conditions, like asthma, raises serious safety concerns.