ALPHA 1 Blockers

Question 1

Alpha 1 Blocker
Sympathetic Nervous system blockers

ACTION

Answer 1

blocks Alpha receptor sites
decreases vascular tone resulting in vasodilation
decreases blood pressure

Question 2

Alpha 1 Blocker
Sympathetic Nervous system blockers

INDICATIONS

Answer 2

Hypertension

Question 3

Alpha 1 Blocker
Sympathetic Nervous system blockers
MEDICATIONS

Answer 3

doxazosin
prazosin
terazosin

Question 4

Alpha 1 Blocker
Sympathetic Nervous system blockers
DRUG DRUG interaction

Answer 4

vasodilators / antihypertensives

Question 5

Alpha 1 Blocker
Sympathetic Nervous system blockers
ADVERSE EFFECTS

Answer 5

Headache, weakness, dizziness, fatigue
arrhythmias, edema, heart failure
PROLONGED ERECTION (priapism)
nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

Question 6

Alpha 1 Blocker
Sympathetic Nervous system blockers
CONTRAINDICATIONS / CAUTIONS

Answer 6

allergy
heart failure
renal failure / hepatic impairment

Question 7

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS

Sympathetic Nervous system blockers

ASSESSMENT

Answer 7

Does patient have a history of contraindications
Baseline CNS, cardiac, respiratory, abdominal, urinary, perfusion
vitals, ECG
LABS: electrolytes, renal/hepatic function, glucose

Question 8

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS

Sympathetic Nervous system blockers
NURSING DIAGNOSIS

Answer 8

acute pain
ineffective tissue perfusion
decreased cardiac output
risk for activity intolerance
non compliance
disturbed sensory perception

Question 9

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS

Sympathetic Nervous system blockers

IMPLEMENTATION

Answer 9

take APICAL pulse prior- if below 60 bpm- hold med
monitor BP
do not stop med abruptly
change position slowly
Pt’s with Diabetes should monitor glucose slowly
DO NOT crush ER formulations