Adrenergic Blockers

Question 1

Adrenergic Blockers

Answer 1

Bind to adrenergic receptors but inhibit or block stimulation of the SNS
Opposite effects of adrenergic drugs
Lyse sympathetic stimulation

Question 2

Drug Effects of Alpha Blockers

Answer 2

Used to treat hypertension
Cause vasodilation
Relieves effects of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Raynaud’s disease, acrocyanosis, frostbite

Question 3

Adverse Effects of Alpha Blockers

Answer 3

Palpitations, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, chest pain, dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting
First-dose phenomenon

Question 4

Common Alpha Blockers

Answer 4

Phentolamine (Regitine)
Terazosin (Hytrin)
Tamsulosin (Flomax)
Doxazosin (Cardura)

Question 5

Phentolamine (Regitine)

Answer 5

Most commonly used to treat the extravasation of vasoconstricting drugs such as norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine

Establish a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma

Reduces vascular resistance and treats hypertension

Contraindications are hypersensitivity, MI, and CAD

Question 6

Tamsulosin (Flomax)

Answer 6

Used primarily to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia

EXCLUSIVELY indicated for male patients

Contraindications are drug allergy and use of ED meds

Adverse effects are headache, abnormal ejaculation, rhinitis

Question 7

Terazosin (Hytrin) and Doxazosin (Cardura)

Answer 7

Both used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and hypertension

Question 8

Beta Blockers

Answer 8

Compete with epinephrine and norepinephrine

Can be selective or nonselective

Question 9

Intrinsic Sympathomimetic Activity

Answer 9

Carvedilol and Labetalol have alpha-receptor-blocking activity, especially at higher doses

Question 10

Cardioselective Beta Blockers

Answer 10

Reduce SNS stimulation of the heart, decrease HR, prolong SA node recovery, slow conduction rate though AV node, decrease contractility

Question 11

Nonselective Beta Blockers

Answer 11

Cause same effects on heart as cardioselective

Constrict bronchioles and vasoconstrict blood vessels

Question 12

Indications for Beta Blockers

Answer 12

Angina (decreases demand for oxygen)
Cardioprotective (inhibits stimulation from catecholamines, especially after MI)
Dysrhythmias (class II antidysrhythmic)
Migraines (lipophilicity allows entry into CNS)
Antihypertensive, heart failure, glaucoma

Question 13

Adverse Effects of Beta Blockers

Answer 13

Agranulocytosis, AV block, bradycardia, heart failure, bronchospasm, may mask signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia

Question 14

Carvedilol

Answer 14

Nonselective beta blocker and alpha1-blocker, calcium channel blocker
Used for heart failure, HTN, angina
Slows progression of heart failure

Question 15

Atenolol

Answer 15

Cardioselective beta blocker

Prevents future heart attacks, treats HTN and angina

Question 16

Nursing Implications for Adrenergic Blocking Drugs

Answer 16

Assess for allergies and history of COPD, hypotension, cardiac dysrhythmias, bradycardia, heart failure, CV problems, teach to change positions slowly, avoid caffeine

Question 17

Nursing Implications for Adrenergic Blocking Drugs

Answer 17

Assess for allergies and history of COPD, hypotension, cardiac dysrhythmias, bradycardia, heart failure, CV problems, teach to change positions slowly, avoid caffeine

Question 18

Nursing Implications for Beta-Blocking Drugs

Answer 18

Monitor for rebound HTN or chest pain, inform about dizziness, tell patient to watch for weight gain, edema, SOB, fatigue