Which of the following is a potential side effect of inotropic medications?

Inotropic medications are primarily used to enhance the force of contraction of the heart muscle, thereby improving cardiac output, especially in patients with heart failure or shock. These medications can increase the heart's workload and oxygen demand, which can lead to elevated blood pressure, making hypertension a potential side effect.

Inotropic agents often work by stimulating the heart's beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to increased myocardial contractility and, consequently, a potential rise in systolic blood pressure. This effect is particularly pronounced in patients who have low blood pressure due to compromised cardiac function.

While hypotension is also a potential side effect of some medications that can cause vasodilation or influence heart rate negatively, inotropic agents typically have a different primary effect on blood pressure. Similarly, hypoglycemia and decreased heart rate are not characteristic effects of inotropic medications.

Thus, hypertension aligns with the expected physiological effects of inotropic therapy, reflecting the increased contractility and subsequent impact on blood pressure regulation.