Anti-hypertensives
A client is receiving clonidine for hypertension. What side effect of clonidine will the nurse include when providing drug education? A. Xerostomia B. Diarrhea C. Euphoria D. Photosensitivity
A. Xerostomia (dry mouth) is one of the common side effects of this drug. The reaction usually diminishes over the first 2 to 4 weeks of therapy. This drug causes constipation, not diarrhea. This drug may cause depression, anxiety, fatigue, and drowsiness, not euphoria. Photosensitivity is not a side effect of this medication.
A client with hypertension has received a prescription for metoprolol. Which information should the nurse include when teaching this client about metoprolol? A. Do not abruptly discontinue the medication B. Consume alcoholic beverages in moderation C. Report a HR of less than 70 beats/min D. Increase the medication dosage if chest pain occurs
A. Abrupt discontinuation of metoprolol may cause rebound hypertension and an acute MI. Alcohol is contraindicated for clients taking beta-adrenergic blockers such as metoprolol. Clients should never increase medications without medical direction. The pulse rate can go lower than 70 beats/min as long as the client feels well and is not dizzy.
A client with a history of coronary artery disease is admitted with pneumonia. The HCP prescribes atenolol. What should the nurse monitor to determine the therapeutic effect of atenolol? A. HR B. Respirations C. Temperature D. Pulse oximetry
A. Atenolol, a beta-blocker, slows the rate of sinoatrial (SA) node discharge and AV node conduction, thus decreasing the HR; it prevents angina by decreasing the cardiac workload and myocardial oxygen consumption. Atenolol may promote bronchospasm and wheezing; however, the question specified therapeutic effects, not adverse effects. Atenolol is not an antipyretic. Atenolol does not directly affect gas exchange in the lungs.
Metoprolol is prescribed for a client with hypertension. For which side effect should the nurse monitor the client? A. Hirsutism B. Bradycardia C. Restlessness D. Hypertension
B. Beta blockers block stimulation of beta1 (myocardial) adrenergic receptors, which decreases the HR and BP. The client should be monitored for bradycardia, which can progress to heart failure or cardiac arrest. Excessive growth of hair or the presence of hair in unusual places does not occur with this medication; however, absence or loss of hair (alopecia) may occur. A side effect of this medication is fatigue, not restlessness. This medication may produce hypotension, not hypertension.
