PharmacologyLesson 3 of 5 in the course Antihypertensive and Antianginal Drugs

Beta-Blocker Mechanisms, Uses, and Safe Administration

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

Save course
Lesson progress
0 / 5

Your progress is kept in this browser only.Sign up to save it

Summary

Beta-adrenergic blockers, commonly called beta blockers, reduce the effects of catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine at adrenergic receptors. This lesson explains how receptor selectivity affects their actions, why they are prescribed, and which safety concerns are especially important.

Beta blockers inhibit selected beta-receptor effects of catecholamines. Cardioselective beta blockers mainly block beta-1 receptors, primarily affecting the cardiovascular system. Nonselective beta blockers block both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors, so they may affect cardiovascular and respiratory function.

All flashcards

What do beta-1 receptors normally do?
Found primarily in the heart and kidneys, their stimulation increases heart rate and myocardial activity and promotes renin release.
What is a cardioselective beta blocker?
A beta blocker that mainly blocks beta-1 receptors and primarily affects the cardiovascular system.
How can beta blockers lower blood pressure?
They reduce heart rate and myocardial contractility and decrease renin release; some agents also promote vasodilation.
Why can nonselective beta blockers be a concern in lung disease?
They block beta-2 receptors as well as beta-1 receptors, potentially worsening respiratory function.
What does off-label use mean for beta blockers prescribed for anxiety?
The medication is prescribed for a use outside its FDA-approved labeling.

Quiz questions

  1. Which noncardiac use is listed for some beta blockers?Answer: Prevention of migraine.
  2. What precaution applies to extended-release beta-blocker formulations?Answer: Do not crush them, because this can alter drug release.
  3. How may beta blockers affect short-acting beta agonists (SABAs)?Answer: They may reduce the effectiveness of SABAs.
  4. Why should a client consult a health care provider before stopping a beta blocker?Answer: Abrupt withdrawal may worsen angina or increase myocardial infarction risk.
  5. In the nursing guidance described, what pulse rate calls for withholding a dose and notifying the provider, unless individualized instructions differ?Answer: Below 60 beats per minute.

Based on Pharmacology for Nurses by Tina Barbour-Taylor, Leah Mueller (Sabato), Donna Paris, Dorie Weaver (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

More in Pharmacology

All Pharmacology lessons
PharmacologyThrombolytic Drugs: Mechanisms, Uses, and Safety5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PharmacologyARBs: AT₁ Blockade, Safety, and Nursing Monitoring5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PharmacologyAntiplatelet Drugs: Aspirin, P2Y12 Inhibitors, and Eptifibatide5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PharmacologyNitrate Pharmacology: Actions, Uses, Safety, and Client Teaching5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PharmacologyOral Antidiabetic Drugs: Mechanisms, Safety, and Hypoglycemia Care5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PharmacologyDrug Disposition, Drug Action, and Factors Shaping Medication Response5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →