Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a class of medication usually used to manage hypertension, congestive heart failure, angina and other abnormal heart diseases. Some beta-blockers include esmolol, propranolol, nebivolol, and bisoprolol (Beckerman, 2020). Beta-blockers work by releasing stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline in parts of the body, thereby slowing the heart rate and reduces the forces at which the blood is pumped into the body. Also, they block kidneys from producing angiotensin II hormones hence lowering the blood pressure (Mayo Clinic 2019). In treating angina, beta brokers reduce the heart’s oxygen demand, which in turn reduces the angina attacks. Hence, since high blood pressure is dangerous as it can cause other body organs such as heart failure, kidney diseases, or strokes, hypertension treatment helps to protect these organs that could be damaged (Beckerman, 2020).
The dosage for administering beta-blockers for hypertension is 25-50 mg daily; however, the dose can be increased to 100mg daily (Medscape 2020). Patients with angina should be given 50 mg once after every week. Also, some patients may require 100 mg or 200mg once every week. The drugs are given in the form of tablets, and the dosage may be increased at the interval of 1 to 2 weeks and maybe given without regard to food (Medscape 2020).
As a nurse, there are conditions that you should be aware of before administering beta-blockers. First, nurses should know that patients with uncontrolled heart failure, hypotension, or bradycardia should not be administered this drug. Also, patients with lung disease or asthma are not recommended to be given this drug (Mayo Clinic, 2019). Besides, as a nurse, you should be aware of possible side effects of beta-blockers; for instance, some patients may feel fatigued, others cold hands and feet, while others vivid dreams (Mayo Clinic 2019). Moreover, as a nurse, make sure that your patients take their medicines as prescribed; besides, make sure you know all the medicines and natural health products your patients take.
References
Beckerman, J. (2020). Beta-Blockers and Heart Disease. WebMD. Retrieved 16 November 2020, from https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/beta-blocker-therapy.
Mayo Clinic. (, 2019). What you should know about beta-blockers. Retrieved 16 November 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/beta-blockers/art-20044522.
Medscape. (, 2020). Tenormin (atenolol) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more. Reference.medscape.com. Retrieved 16 November 2020, from https://reference.medscape.com/drug/tenormin-atenolol-342356.