Beta Blockers

Question 1

α1 action

Answer 1

Vasoconstriction of arteries to push blood to the muscles

Question 2

β1 action

Answer 2

Heart beats faster and stronger

Question 3

β2 action

Answer 3

Dilation of bronchioles

Question 4

Which Beta Blockers are cardioselective? ( β1)

Answer 4

Atenolol
Metoprolol tartrate
Metoprolol succinate

Question 5

Which Beta Blockers are non selective? What do they block?

Answer 5

Propranolol (β1 & β2)

Carvedilol (α1, β1, & β2)

Question 6

Which adrenergic blocker is most likely to cause hypotension?

Answer 6

Carvediol because it reduces arterial pressure ( blocks α1)

Question 7

What three things do beta blockers do to relieve angina pectoris?

Answer 7

• Block β1 receptors in the heart to decreases HR & contractility
• reduce arterial pressure (afterload) and oxygen demand
• increase the time blood stays in diastole which increases the time blood flows through myocardial vessels and increases oxy supply.

Question 8

Your patient just had a MI. What could you give them and why?

Answer 8

beta blocker, they are cardioprotective

Question 9

what are the most common beta blocker side effects? (4)

Answer 9

a) Symptoms of ↓ BP or ↓ HR
b) Fatigue, depression (mainly propaponal, crosses BBB)
c) Bronchospasm
d) Masking hypoglycemia

Question 10

What does it mean when a beta blocker masks hypoglycemia?

Answer 10

adrenergic system works in hypoglycemic patients (cold and clammy needs some candy, hot and dry sugar is high).

Beta blockers block adrenergic system

Tell them not to look for sweatiness or dizzy, instead look for concentration, extreme tiredness

Question 11

The patient feels that the beta blocker is working and asks if it is okay to abruptly stop taking the medication. The nurse should reply?

Answer 11

DON’T DO IT! Your heart rate and blood pressure will sky rocket and you will most likely die ( if you have Coronary Artery Disease) BBW

Question 12

The nurse is about to give the patient a beta blocker but sees that the heart rate is low. What should they do?

Answer 12

Hold the med. Call the physician.

Question 13

Difference between Metoprolol tartrate and Metoprolol succinate?

Answer 13

Tartrate= twice a day 
succinate= single dose, last soo long

Question 14

Which beta blockers are usually prescribed for heart failure

Answer 14

Carvedolol and Metoprolol

Question 15

what do you give Propranolol for?

Answer 15

Migraine prophylaxis ( given all the time not just once )
Hemangioma
Stage fright

Question 16

What is Hemangioma?

Answer 16

A birthmark often appearing as a rubbery, bright red nodule of extra blood vessels (usually on babies)