Beta Blockers and Alpha-Beta Adrenergic Blockers

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the classifications, actions, adverse effects, contraindications, and nursing monitoring for beta blockers and alpha-beta adrenergic blockers.

Selective Beta-1 Blockers

Beta blockers that act on the heart only to decrease heart rate (HR), conduction, and contraction, recalled by the mnemonic MANBABE.

Nonselective Beta Blockers

Beta blockers, such as propranolol, that affect both the heart and lungs and can cause bronchoconstriction.

Alpha-Beta Adrenergic Blockers

Medications such as labetalol and carvedilol that decrease heart rate, contraction, and conduction, while also decreasing afterload.

MANBABE

A mnemonic used to identify cardioselective (beta-1) blockers that act on the heart only.

Propranolol

A nonselective beta blocker that affects both cardiac and pulmonary tissue, producing bronchoconstriction.

Labetalol and Carvedilol

Examples of alpha-beta adrenergic blockers that decrease afterload as well as heart rate, contraction, and conduction.

Adverse Effects of Beta Blockers

Side effects of beta blocker therapy that include bradycardia, hypotension, bronchoconstriction (with nonselective agents), and masked hypoglycemia.

Masked Hypoglycemia

An adverse effect where beta blockers conceal or blunt the typical autonomic warning signs of low blood glucose.

Black Box Warning for Beta Blockers

A critical warning regarding coronary artery disease stating that the drug dose must be titrated down rather than discontinued abruptly.

Beta Blocker Contraindications

Conditions in which beta blockers should not be administered, specifically AV or heart block, as well as asthma or COPD for nonselective agents.

Liver Impairment Precaution

A clinical state requiring cautious use when prescribing and administering beta blockers.

Nursing Monitoring for Beta Blockers

Essential clinical assessments including blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and monitoring for hypoglycemia.