Beta- Blockers

Question 1

Beta- Blockers Drug Names

Answer 1

Atenolol
Metoprolol
Propranolol
Nadolol
-	nonselective

“-olol”

Question 2

Beta- Blockers Therapeutic Actions

Answer 2

• Blocks beta receptors in the heart
• Decreases heart rate and cardiac muscle contraction
• Vasodilates which increases blood flow to the kidneys, leading to a decrease in the release of renin

Question 3

Beta- Blockers Indications

Answer 3

• HTN
• Stable angina pectoris
• Tachyarrhythmias
• Migraine headache, MI glaucoma
• Stable CHF
• Hyperthyroidism

Question 4

Beta- Blockers Contraindications and Cautions

Answer 4

Contraindication:
•	Allergy 
•	Bradycardia
•	Heart Block
•	Acute/ unstable heart failure
•	Bronchospasm, COPD, asthma
•	Pregnancy and lactation

Caution:
•	Renal and hepatic dysfunction
•	Diabetes
•	PVD
•	Thyrotoxicosis

Question 5

Beta- Blockers DDI

Answer 5

DDI:
• Clonidine
• NSAIDs
• Insulin/hypoglycemic agents

Question 6

Beta- Blockers Adverse Effects

Answer 6

• CNS: HA, dizziness, fatigue, emotional depression, sleep issues, disorientation, memory loss
• CV: bradycardia, hypotension, CHF, decreased cardiac output and arrhythmias
• GI- nausea, vomiting, colitis
• GU: decreased libido level and impotence
• Respiratory- bronchospasm, dyspnea, and cough, pulmonary edema
• Alterations in glucose levels

Question 7

Beta- Blockers:

Assessment

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Beta- Blockers:

Diagnosis

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Beta- Blockers:

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

Question 10

Beta- Blockers:

Evaluation

Answer 10

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