ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 19 : Adrenergic-Blocking Drugs Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
A 58-year-old man has had a myocardial infarction, has begun rehabilitation, and is ready for discharge. He is given a prescription for metoprolol and becomes upset after reading the patient education pamphlet. 'I don't have high blood pressure - why did my doctor give me this medicine?' Which explanation by the nurse is correct?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metoprolol, a beta blocker, is prescribed post-myocardial infarction for its cardioprotective effects, reducing mortality by decreasing cardiac workload and arrhythmias. It does not primarily prevent blood clots, improve renal blood flow, or prevent post-MI hypertension.
Question 5 of 5
The teaching for a patient who is taking tamsulosin to reduce urinary obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia will include which of these?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tamsulosin, an alpha blocker, can cause orthostatic hypotension, so patients should stand up slowly to avoid dizziness and falls. Fluid restriction is not required, timing with breakfast is not necessary, and tamsulosin causes hypotension, not hypertension.