Beta Blocker practice questions
A patient has been taking metoprolol IR for 6 weeks. Current assessment data includes a heart rate of 72 beats per minute and blood pressure of 126/74 mm Hg. The patient reports occasional dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue. Which recommendation will the nurse provide for this patient?
"It is important to discuss these symptoms with the health care provider."
A patient who is taking metoprolol questions the nurse regarding the need for liver function tests. Which nursing response is appropriate?
"Patients with decreased liver function may experience toxic effects from this drug."
The nurse administers an oral dose of metoprolol at 0800 to a patient with hypertension. At which time will the nurse anticipate the peak effect?
1000
The nurse is caring for a patient with newly diagnosed hypertension who has been prescribed metoprolol. Which teaching would the nurse include?
Change positions slowly.
A patient is admitted to the emergency department with a blood pressure of 222/110 mm Hg. For which reason would the nurse anticipate intravenous (IV) beta blocker administration?
IV forms of beta blockers have immediate effects.
The nurse is conducting a health history on a patient who is taking a beta blocker. Which assessment data present contraindications or cautions to beta blocker therapy?
History of asthma Second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block on telemetry monitor Type 2 diabetes
The health care provider prescribes a maintenance dose of metoprolol 250 mg orally twice daily for hypertension. Which action would the nurse take upon receiving the prescription?
Hold the medication and ask the health care provider about the dose.
The nurse is teaching Ms. Jones about her new prescription for metoprolol. What teachings will the nurse include?
Sit on the side of the bed for a few moments prior to standing up." "Inform all health care providers that you are taking metoprolol." "Notify your health care provider if dizziness becomes excessive."
A 30-year-old female patient who is taking a beta blocker asks the nurse, "Can I take this drug if I am considering pregnancy?" Which nursing response is appropriate?
There is potential risk to the fetus because metoprolol crosses the placental barrier."
A patient who has hypertension and asthma asks, "Why can't I take a beta blocker for my hypertension?" Which nursing response is appropriate?
"Beta blocker medications can cause bronchospasm, which can trigger an asthma attack." Nonselective beta blockers have effects on beta1 and beta2 receptors and can cause bronchospasm, so they are contraindicated in patients who have asthma. Cardioselectivity of beta1 blockers does not confer absolute protection from bronchoconstriction, so these drugs are not recommended.
The charge nurse is teaching a group of new nurses about safe administration of beta blockers. Which statements indicate that further teaching is required?
"Beta blockers increase the heart rate and force of cardiac contraction." "Metoprolol can cause liver failure, so laboratory values are required." "Beta blockers are only used to treat hypertension."
The nurse is teaching a patient who is being discharged with a prescription for metoprolol. Which patient statement indicates understanding of the teaching?
"I will not drive until I know how this medication affects me."
The charge nurse is teaching a new nurse about beta blockers. Which teaching would the nurse include?
First-generation beta blockers are nonselective and block beta1 and beta2 receptors. The nurse would include this in the teaching because first-generation beta blockers are nonselective and block beta1 and beta2 receptors.
