Adrenergic Blocking Agents Lecture Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the classification, indications, adverse effects, and nursing considerations of various adrenergic blocking agents based on the lecture transcript.

Sympatholytic

Medications that lyse, break, or block the effects of the sympathetic nervous system by preventing norepinephrine from activating receptors.

Amiodarone

A nonselective adrenergic blocking agent and antiarrhythmic with a very long half-life of approximately $60$ days, primarily used in emergency situations for rate control.

Carvedilol

A nonselective adrenergic blocking agent used for hypertension and specifically for controlling symptoms in adults with heart failure.

Labetalol

A nonselective adrenergic blocking agent used for hypertensive emergencies, pheochromocytoma, and clonidine withdrawal, with IV effects appearing within $5$ minutes.

Phentolamine

A nonselective alpha-adrenergic blocking agent used to counteract the effects of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine extravasation and to treat severe hypertension in pheochromocytoma.

Doxazosin

An alpha-$1$ selective adrenergic blocking agent primarily used for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and hypertension.

Propranolol

A nonselective beta-adrenergic agent used for hypertension, angina, migraine prophylaxis, and situational anxiety.

Beta-$1$ Selective Adrenergic Blockers

A group of medications, including atenolol and metoprolol, that target the heart's receptors and are preferred for patients with asthma or COPD due to reduced pulmonary effects.

Hypoglycemia Masking

A caution associated with beta-blockers where symptoms of low blood sugar, such as diaphoresis and dizziness, are hidden from the patient.

Pheochromocytoma

A condition characterized by extreme hypertension that can be managed using labetalol or phentolamine.

Extravasation Treatment

The use of phentolamine at the site of IV leakage of dopamine or norepinephrine to prevent tissue damage by blocking alpha receptors.

Bronchospasm

A potential respiratory adverse effect, particularly common with nonselective beta-blockers like propranolol in patients with asthma or COPD.

Heart Rate Threshold for Beta-Blockers

The clinical guideline to hold medication if the patient's heart rate is lower than $50\text{ beats per minute}$.

Erectile Dysfunction

A specific CNS-related adverse effect of beta-blockers that often leads to non-compliance in younger male patients.

NSAID Interaction

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with beta-blockers can cause fluid and sodium retention, potentially exacerbating congestive heart failure (CHF).

Atenolol

A selective beta-$1$ adrenergic blocker used for hypertension and arrhythmias, available in both oral and IV formats.

Metoprolol

A widely used beta-$1$ selective agent that brings down blood pressure and heart rate with less effect on the lungs than nonselective agents.

Esmolol

A beta-$1$ selective adrenergic blocker that is only available in an IV format.

Timolol

A nonselective beta-adrenergic agent commonly administered as an eye drop for the treatment of glaucoma.

Amiodarone Fetal Risks

Potential adverse effects on a fetus including neonatal bradycardia, hypothyroidism, and growth retardation.