Question

-What are the key nursing implementation for a patient receiving nonselective adrenergic blocking agents?

-For what other indications besides the treatment of hypertension is propranolol (Inderal) prescribed?

Answer 1

Answer- Part (A)

Non selective adrenergic blocking agents are primarily used to treat cardiac-related conditions. These drugs are ideal for hypertension and heart failure because they reduce the rate and conduction of the heart, relieving it from too much workload. Non selective adrenergic blocking agents block all receptors. These drugs are primarily used to treat cardiac-related conditions although use of these drugs is limited in patients who smoke or have allergic or seasonal rhinitis, asthma, or COPD. Common drug examples include propranolol, nebivolol, and timolol.

These are the key nursing implementation for a patient receiving nonselective andrenergic blocking agents:

1. Assess for contraindications or cautions (e.g. history of allergy to drug, heart blocks, asthma, pregnancy or lactation status, etc.) to avoid adverse effects.
2. Monitor laboratory test results (e.g. liver and renal function tests) to determine need for possible dose adjustment, serum electrolyte levels to evaluate fluid loss and appropriateness of therapy, and blood glucose to evaluate for hyper- or hypoglycemia.
3. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure closely and frequently for changes to anticipate the need to discontinue the drug if adverse reactions are severe.
4. Inject phentolamine directly into area of extravasation of epinephrine or dopamine to prevent local cell death.
5. Institute safety measures to prevent injury if the patient experiences weakness, dizziness, or orthostatic hypo-tension.
6. Provide comfort measures to help patient cope with drug effects.
7. Provide patient education about drug effects and warning signs to report to enhance knowledge about drug therapy and promote compliance.

Answer- Part (B)

Propranolol is used to treat tremors, angina (chest pain), hypertension (high blood pressure), heart rhythm disorders, and other heart or circulatory conditions. It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack, and to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.