3.2 Adrenergic Blocking Agents

Question 1

Adrenergic blockers are also known as…

Answer 1

Sympatholytics

Question 2

What is the function of adrenergic blockers?

Answer 2

They function to block the effects of Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Question 3

How are adrenergic blockers classified?

Answer 3

By the type of receptor they inhibit

Alpha-blockers and beta-blockers

Question 4

The function of alpha-blockers is to…

Answer 4

Interrupt stimulation of the SNS at the alpha-adrenergic receptors

Question 5

How do alpha-blockers affect the arteries and veins of the body?

Answer 5

They cause vasodilation, this reduces peripheral vascular resistance and treats high BP

Question 6

Alpha-blockers are commonly given to men with which disorder? Why?

Answer 6

Benign prostate hypertrophy/plasia (BPH)

Alpha-blockers reduce the smooth muscle contraction of the bladder neck and prostatic portion of the urethra to decrease resistance to urinary flow

Question 7

What effect do alpha-blockers have on the uterus?

Answer 7

They stimulate uterine contractions

Question 8

Alpha-blockers help treat what kind of headache? How?

Answer 8

Vascular headaches. They constrict peripheral and cerebral arteries

Question 9

Ergotomine Tartrate (Alpha blocker) treats…

Answer 9

Migraines

Question 10

Methyldopa (alpha blocker) treats…

Answer 10

Hypertension

Question 11

Prazosin hydrochloride (alpha blocker) treats…

Answer 11

Hypertension

Question 12

The function of beta blockers is to…

Answer 12

inhibit SNS stimulation of the beta-adrenergic receptors by competing with Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Question 13

Beta-1-blockers primarily act on the heart, so we can call them…

Answer 13

cardioselective

Question 14

Beta blockers primarily treat which disorders?

Answer 14

CV disorders such as Angina, Myocardial infarction, and Heart failure

Question 15

Beta blockers treat heart disorders by decreasing the demand for _____ ____ and _____ _____

Answer 15

Myocardial energy and oxygen demand

Question 16

Beta blockers treat which ocular disorder?

Answer 16

Glaucoma

Question 17

Beta blockers are contraindicated in people with which heart problems?

Answer 17

Bradycardia
Heart block (problems with electrical conduction of the heart)

Question 18

Why are beta blockers contraindicated in those with asthma, allergic or pulmonary conditions?

Answer 18

Beta blockers increase fluid production

Question 19

Beta blockers commonly end with which 3 letters?

Answer 19

LOL

Question 20

Propranolol treats…

Answer 20

Angina, arrhythmia, hypertension

Question 21

Atenolol treats…

Answer 21

Angina, Arrhythmia

Question 22

Metoprolol treats…

Answer 22

Hypertension

Question 23

Nurses should assess client’s history of which disorders?

Answer 23

COPD
hypotension
cardiac dysrhythmias
bradycardia
HF
Monitor for hypotension
bradycardia
heart block
bronchoconstriction

Question 24

How should clients take adrenergic blockers?

Answer 24

Exactly as prescribed

Question 25

We ask that clients do not stop taking adrenergic blockers suddenly. Why?

Answer 25

It could cause rebound hypertension or angina

Question 26

Clients should report which symptoms immediately if they take adrenergic blockers as it could indicate a med complication?

Answer 26

Report constipation, urinary hesitancy or bladder distention

Question 27

Nurses should educate patients on adrenergic blockers because:

Answer 27

Adrenergic blockers decrease exercise tolerance. too much exercise could cause dizziness and/or fainting