Beta Blocker (Class II) Flashcards
What is the action of beta blockers?
blocks beta receptors found in the heart (and lungs)
Briefly describe the difference between selective and non-selective beta blockers.
selective = heart only
non-selective = heart & lungs
What is the location of the beta1 receptor?
heart
What is the location of the beta2 receptor?
lungs
What is the trick for remembering B1 vs B2 locations?
B1, one heart
B2, two lungs!
What is the intended action of beta blockers?
to slow conduction in the AV node
What is the intended effect of beta blockers?
To reduce contraction speed of the heart and to reduce its oxygen demand
What are the uses for beta blockers?
Primarily hypertension, tachycardic dysrhythmias
Also: heart failure, post-MI
Identify contraindications for beta blockers.
Asthma, COPD, DM, bradycardia, dysrhythmias
Identify adverse effects of beta blockers.
“The B’s!”
Bradycardia, low BP,
Breathing problems (non-selective)
Bad for worsening heart failure
Blood sugar masking (counteracts symptoms of low glucose)
Blahs (fatigue, sexual disfunction)
Identify precautions for beta blockers.
bronchoconstriction
* monitor asthma patients on non-selective beta blockers
caution w/ diabetes
* blocks release of insulin, can cause hyperglycemia
* masks tachycardia, shaking of hypoglycemia
Identify drug interactions with beta blockers.
other medications that slow heart rate (such as calcium channel blockers)
Name the exemplar beta blockers.
Metoprolol, Propanolol
Identify exemplar selective beta blocker.
metoprolol
Identify exemplar non-selective beta blocker.
propranolol
Where does metoprolol act in the body?
Selective - B1 - one heart
Where does propranolol act in the body?
Non-selective - B2 - two lungs and heart
Which exemplar beta blocker is precautioned with asthma?
non-selective propranolol acts in the heart AND lungs
What should be assessed with beta blockers?
obtain baseline EKG, monitor apical pulse 1 full minute
When should scheduled beta blockers be held?
when HR < 60 bpm (alert provider)
Identify teaching points for beta blockers.
- Report signs of CHF (weigh gain, SOB, edema)
- Slow position changes to prevent orthostasis
- Monitor glucose, strict diabetic regimen (no skipping meals, meds)
Describe requirements when discontinuing beta blockers.
Beta blockers must not be stopped abruptly, must step down slowly.
