ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 19 : Adrenergic-Blocking Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
A beta blocker is prescribed for a patient with angina. The nurse reviews the orders for other drugs that may interact with the beta blocker. Which drugs or drug classes are known to have an interaction with a beta blocker? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: Diuretics and alcohol can cause additive hypotensive effects with beta blockers, oral hypoglycemics may enhance hypoglycemia, and anticholinergics may reduce beta blocker efficacy. Penicillins and anticoagulants do not typically interact with beta blockers.
Question 2 of 5
A patient has an order for carvedilol 9.375 mg twice a day PO. The tablets are 3.125 mg each. Identify how many tablets will the nurse administer per dose.
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale:
To calculate: 3.125 mg/1 tablet = 9.375 mg/x tablets. Cross-multiply: (3.125 * x) = (1 * 9.375); 3.125x = 9.375; x = 9.375/3.125 = 3 tablets per dose.
Question 3 of 5
During therapy with a beta blocker, the patient notices that she has swollen feet, has gained 3 pounds within 2 days, feels short of breath even when walking around the house, and has been dizzy. The nurse suspects that which of these is occurring?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Symptoms such as swollen feet, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, and dizziness suggest heart failure, a potential adverse effect of beta blockers due to their cardiac depressant effects. These are not typical allergic reactions, expected effects, or indicative of needing more time for therapeutic response.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is going home with a new prescription for the beta-blocker atenolol. The nurse will include which content when teaching the patient about this drug?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Abrupt cessation of beta blockers like atenolol can cause rebound hypertension or chest pain, so patients must be weaned off slowly. Stopping when symptoms subside, pausing for 24 hours, or expecting first-dose hypotension (more common with alpha blockers) are incorrect.
Question 5 of 5
During rounds, the nurse notes that a dobutamine infusion has extravasated into the forearm of a patient. After stopping the infusion, the nurse follows standing orders and immediately injects phentolamine subcutaneously in a circular fashion around the extravasation site. What is the mechanism of action of the phentolamine in this situation?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Phentolamine, an alpha blocker, causes vasodilation by blocking alpha-adrenergic receptors, increasing blood flow to the ischemic site of dobutamine extravasation to prevent tissue damage. It does not neutralize dobutamine, cause vasoconstriction, or increase peripheral vascular resistance.