Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for a vasoconstrictor?

The use of cocaine within the last 24 hours stands out as an absolute contraindication for administering a vasoconstrictor. This is rooted in the pharmacological interactions between cocaine and vasoconstrictors, such as epinephrine. Cocaine has stimulant effects on the cardiovascular system, leading to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heightened risk of arrhythmias. When a vasoconstrictor is introduced shortly after cocaine use, the additional adrenergic stimulation can lead to severe cardiovascular complications, including acute hypertensive crises or even myocardial infarction.

The other conditions mentioned, such as hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension, do present clinical concerns but do not have the same level of immediacy or risk associated with the recent use of cocaine. In those cases, healthcare providers may implement certain precautions or lower dosages of vasoconstrictors rather than an outright prohibition, which is warranted in the context of recent cocaine use.