Alpha- and Beta- blockers (Nonselective Adrenergic Blocking Agents)

Question 1

Alpha- and Beta- blockers (Nonselective Adrenergic Blocking Agents) Drug Names

Answer 1

Carvedilol

Labetalol

Question 2

Alpha- and Beta- blockers (Nonselective Adrenergic Blocking Agents) Therapeutic Actions

Answer 2

• Blocks norepinephrine at all alpha and beta receptors in the SNS
• Lowers BP and HR
• Increase renal perfusion
- Decreased renin

Question 3

Alpha- and Beta- blockers (Nonselective Adrenergic Blocking Agents) Indication

Answer 3

• HTN

Question 4

Alpha- and Beta- blockers (Nonselective Adrenergic Blocking Agents) Contraindications and Cautions

Answer 4

Contraindication:
•	Allergy 
•	Heart Block 
•	Bradycardia 
•	Lung disease/ bronchospasm 
•	Diabetics

Question 5

Alpha- and Beta- blockers (Nonselective Adrenergic Blocking Agents) DDI

Answer 5

• Antidiabetic agents

Question 6

Alpha- and Beta- blockers (Nonselective Adrenergic Blocking Agents) Adverse Effects

Answer 6

• CNS
• Cardiovascular
• Pulmonary
• Hypoglycemia
• Rash GI/GU issues

Question 7

Alpha- and Beta- blockers (Nonselective Adrenergic Blocking Agents):
Assessment

Answer 7

Hx: allergy, contraindications/cautions
Physical: vital signs, weight, BP, RR, abdominal, urinary, perfusion, ECG (baseline)
Labs: electrolyte levels, renal and hepatic function, glucose

Question 8

Alpha- and Beta- blockers (Nonselective Adrenergic Blocking Agents):
Diagnosis

Answer 8

• Acute pain
• Ineffective tissue perfusion
• Decreased cardiac output
• Risk for injury
• Risk for activity intolerance
• Non-compliance
• Disturbed sensory perception
• Deficient knowledge

Question 9

Alpha- and Beta- blockers (Nonselective Adrenergic Blocking Agents):
Implementation

Answer 9

• Take apical pulse before: hold if <60bpm
• Do not abruptly stop medication (rebound hypertension)
• Encourage lifestyle changes
• Change positions slowly
• Do not crush ER formulations
• Monitor vitals
• Provide patient teaching
• ND: ineffective airway clearance r/t lack of bronchodilation effects

Question 10

Alpha- and Beta- blockers (Nonselective Adrenergic Blocking Agents):
Evaluation

Answer 10

Response to the drug
Adverse effects
Effectiveness of comfort measures Compliance with the regimen
Effectiveness of the teaching plan