A nurse who provides care in a geriatric subacute medicine unit ...

[penguins]

A nurse who provides care in a geriatric subacute medicine unit of a hospital has noted that a large number of patients receive -adrenergic blocking medications such as metoprolol.
 
  Which of the following statements best conveys an aspect of the use of beta-blockers?
  A)
  They can be used to treat supraventricular arrhythmias and decrease automaticity by depressing phase 4 of the action potential.
  B)
  They inhibit the potassium current and repolarization, extending the action potential and refractoriness.
  C)
  They counteract arrhythmias and tachycardias by increasing vagal stimulation.
  D)
  They decrease myocardial oxygen demand by blocking the release of intracellular calcium ions.

Question 2

A patient is admitted for a relapse for sarcoidosis. Knowing this is usually caused by an inflammatory process, the nurse can anticipate administering
 
  A)
  a bronchodilator.
  B)
  a corticosteroid.
  C)
  aspirin.
  D)
  an albuterol inhaler.

[leahchrapun]

Answer to Question 1

Ans:
A

Feedback:

Beta-blockers are often used in the treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias, and they decrease automaticity by depressing phase 4 of the action potential. They do not inhibit the potassium current and repolarization, nor do they cause vagal stimulation or block the release of intracellular calcium.

Answer to Question 2

Ans:
B

Feedback:

Treatment is directed at interrupting the granulomatous inflammatory process that is characteristic of the disease and managing the associated complications. When treatment is indicated, corticosteroid drugs are used. Bronchodilators may be used if there is wheezing, but this is not a normal medication for this disease. Aspirin is a blood thinner. Albuterol is a short-term bronchodilator for acute asthma.

[penguins]

TYSM

[LVPMS]

Excellent