ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 19 : Adrenergic-Blocking Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
During a teaching session about self-monitoring while taking a beta blocker at home, the nurse has taught the patient to take his apical pulse daily for 1 minute. If the pulse rate decreases to less than 60 beats/min, the nurse will instruct the patient to do which of these?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A pulse rate below 60 beats/min may indicate excessive cardiac depression from beta blockers, requiring prescriber notification for potential dose adjustment. Reducing the dose, continuing without consultation, or skipping doses are unsafe.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is in the clinic for a follow-up visit 3 months after starting a beta blocker for treatment of hypertension. During this visit, his blood pressure is 169/98 mm Hg, and he eventually confesses that he stopped taking this medicine 2 months ago because of an 'embarrassing problem.' What problem did the patient most likely experience with this medication that caused him to stop taking it?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Impotence is a known adverse effect of beta blockers and may lead to non-compliance. Urge incontinence, dizziness, and excessive flatus are not commonly associated with beta blockers.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has a new prescription for tamsulosin as treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The nurse is checking his current medication list and will contact the prescriber regarding a potential interaction if the patient is also taking which drug?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sildenafil can interact with tamsulosin, an alpha blocker, causing additive hypotensive effects, increasing the risk of severe hypotension. Levothyroxine, omeprazole, and aspirin do not have significant interactions with tamsulosin.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is taking an alpha blocker as treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The nurse will monitor for which potential drug effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Alpha blockers like tamsulosin can cause orthostatic hypotension due to vasodilation, requiring monitoring. They do not typically increase blood pressure, decrease urine flow, or cause discolored urine.
Question 5 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.