Propranolol (Inderal) is prescribed for a patient diagnosed with ...

[NClaborn]

Propranolol (Inderal) is prescribed for a patient diagnosed with hypertension. The nurse should consult with the health care provider before giving this medication when the patient reveals a history of
 
  a. asthma.
  b. daily alcohol use.
  c. peptic ulcer disease.
  d. myocardial infarction (MI).

Question 2

A patient has just been diagnosed with hypertension and has been started on captopril (Capoten). Which information is important to include when teaching the patient about this medication?
 
  a. Check blood pressure (BP) in both arms before taking the medication.
  b. Increase fluid intake if dryness of the mouth is a problem.
  c. Include high-potassium foods such as bananas in the diet.
  d. Change position slowly to help prevent dizziness and falls.

[Jsherida]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Nonselective -blockers block 1- and 2-adrenergic receptors and can cause bronchospasm, especially in patients with a history of asthma. -Blockers will have no effect on the patient's peptic ulcer disease or alcohol use. -Blocker therapy is recommended after MI.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors frequently cause orthostatic hypotension, and patients should be taught to change position slowly to allow the vascular system time to compensate for the position change. Increasing fluid intake may counteract the effect of the medication, and the patient is taught to use gum or hard candy to relieve dry mouth. The BP should be taken in the nondominant arm by newly diagnosed patients in the morning, before taking the medication, and in the evening. Because ACE inhibitors cause potassium retention, increased intake of high-potassium foods is inappropriate.