NURSING PROCESS Adrenergic Neuron Blockers Flashcards
What are the common cardiac effects of beta-adrenergic blockers?
Bradycardia and decrease in blood pressure
What would you obtain for future comparison(s)?
Baseline vital signs and electrocardiogram
When listening for lung sounds what are you looking for?
If there are any signs of wheezing or noting dyspnea (difficulty in breathing).
What should clients with asthma NOT take?
Avoid nonselective beta blockers such as metropolol (Lopressor)
If the beta blocker is nonselective, what occurs?
Decreased pulse rate. Bronchoconstriction can result
Determine the drugs that the client takes. Which drugs should you report?
If there are any diuretics, digoxin, MAOIs, CNS depressants, other antihypertensives
What should you report when you monitor client’s vital signs?
Marked changes such as a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate
What complaints would you report?
Excessive dizziness, lightheadedness, insomnia, mental depression, chest pain
What should you do to avoid falls from orthostatic hypotension which is common in high doses?
Assist client with ambulation
What would you instruct the client to do when taking the drugs?
Comply with the drug regimen
What would you advise the client to remember about the effects of reserpine?
Therapeutic effects may not occur until 2 to 3 weeks after initiation of therapy
What would you teach the client and family when monitoring effectiveness of drugs taken?
Teach how to take a pulse and blood pressure
Teach client to take reserpine _________________ every day and not discontinue without permission of health care provider.
At the same time
What would you instruct the client to do to avoid orthostatic hypotension?
Remind client to slowly rise from supine or sitting positions to standing
Which mood changes would you inform the family and client to expect?
Mood changes can include depression, detachment, inability to concentrate, nightmares, and suicidal tendencies
What warning would you tell the client when taking reserpine in terms of sexual activity?
May cause impotence or decreased libido, which is usually dose related
Report changes in client’s __________, especially in clients with renal dysfunction.
Urine output
What complaint would you note regarding the nose?
If client complains of stuffy nose as vasodilation may result and nasal congestion may occur
What should the client not be involved in?
Driving or engaging in operation of dangerous equipment until the drug response is known
What would you evaluate?
Evaluate the effectiveness of the adrenergic neuron blocker. Vital signs must be stable within the desired range
